CCAEJ Applauds EPA for Approving Warehouse Indirect Source Rule

The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) celebrates the EPA's approval of Southern Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) Warehouse Indirect Source Rule (ISR) as part of the state’s air plan. This vital policy will reduce pollution from the trucks serving massive warehouse facilities, accelerate the shift to zero-emissions technologies, and create local clean energy jobs.

For years, CCAEJ and our community members have fought for protections against the relentless truck traffic and diesel exhaust that disproportionately impact our neighborhoods. Today’s decision marks a significant step forward, with the ISR already resulting in the deployment of hundreds of zero-emission trucks and charging stations in our region.

However, this is just the beginning. We must remain vigilant to ensure this rule is fully enforced and that warehouses comply with it. Holding polluters accountable is essential to protecting our communities, and we look forward to working with our partners, regulators, and community members to make this a reality. There is much work ahead, but we are ready for the challenge.

“One challenge is whether the ISR provides the public with the information necessary to enforce the rule, including alleged Confidential Business Information related to compliance with the ISR,” said CCAEJ Executive Director Ana Gonzalez. “We will evaluate EPA’s action and take appropriate action to ensure full transparency and accountability.” 

As we celebrate this victory, we urge the EPA to approve other critical air quality rules from the SCAQMD and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) which are also awaiting their action and final approval. Policies like the ISR are crucial in the fight for clean air, especially for addressing sources of pollution which have eluded significant progress in recent years, and it is imperative that regulators continue to prioritize the health and wellbeing of frontline communities.

We also want to give special recognition to Brent Newell, CCAEJ’s attorney for his tireless work intervening on behalf of CCAEJ to hold the EPA accountable. 

CCAEJ is committed to ensuring this rule is enforced and looks forward to continuing the work to create cleaner, healthier communities for all.