Legislation sponsored on Dec. 17 by U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC) would exempt diesel-fueled emergency vehicles from certain air pollution requirements.
The Emergency Vehicles Responsiveness Act, H.R. 10458, aims to eliminate burdensome and costly Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations impacting first responders, according to the congressman.
“First responders should be solely focused on saving lives and responding to emergencies, not onerous and expensive tailpipe regulations,” Rep. Murphy said. “The U.S. military is exempt from such requirements in the interest of operational efficiency and first responders should be treated the same.”
Under current law, the EPA has wide-ranging authority to regulate diesel emissions from vehicles. Current regulations have proven costly for fire departments and emergency responders to meet, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmaker’s staff.
If enacted, H.R. 10458 would amend Section 203 of the Clean Air Act to exempt diesel-fueled emergency vehicles from EPA’s vehicle diesel emissions control system mandates, the summary says.
“This legislation is a common-sense action that will ensure funding for our first responders, often barely enough to keep the lights on, can be preserved for more critical needs,” said Rep. Murphy.
The bill is under consideration in the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.