Squeezed by pollution: The urgent need for stricter trucking regulations to protect communities around warehouses

Like others, our research also found that census tracts with a higher number of warehouses tended to have higher shares of residents of color. This is consistent with the results of previous research showing that racial and ethnic disparities in NO₂ exposure is largely attributable to diesel truck traffic. Clearly, warehouse-related truck emissions are important to understand when taking measures to address disparities in air pollution exposure.

Addressing the problem requires action at multiple levels. At the federal level, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently established standards that will reduce emissions from new trucks starting in the 2027 model year. Under these standards, new engines sold by manufacturers must meet NO_X emission limits that are more than 80% below current levels. In addition, the Phase 3 greenhouse gas rule, completed in 2024, will encourage the deployment of more efficient technologies such as hybrids and zero-emission vehicles, further reducing NO_X emissions from trucks.

At the state level, California’s Advanced Clean Trucks and Advanced Clean Fleets rules require manufacturers to transition to 100% zero-emission sales of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by 2036. The Advanced Clean Fleets rule also includes a zero-emission registration requirement for trucks, which will accelerate the adoption of cleaner vehicles at ports and warehouses. Both the EPA’s greenhouse gas rule and California’s Advanced Clean Fleets rule are facing legal challenges, but these rules should remain in place to support the transition to cleaner vehicles and reduce air pollution near warehouses.

Regulations can also directly target warehouse pollution. California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District has implemented an indirect source rule that requires large warehouses to reduce pollution, and provides credit for actions such as transitioning to zero- and near-zero-emission trucks and installing charging infrastructure. New York City recently announced plans to implement similar policies.

Finally, addressing this issue will require action from both the private sector and regulated electric utilities. Amazon, the largest player in the e-commerce space, has committed to deploying 100,000 electric delivery vehicles by 2030. While this is an important step, commitments to end diesel trucking contracts by 2030, work toward implementing zero-emission service contracts with logistics operators and warehouse owners, and install charging infrastructure at warehouses would demonstrate further leadership in the industry. Prologis, the largest owner of warehouses in the United States, has committed to installing 900 MW of charging capacity at its facilities. At the same time, electric utilities that proactively plan grid upgrades and streamline permitting for necessary charging infrastructure can help ensure the success of these initiatives.

Truck emissions have dropped significantly in recent years thanks to regulations requiring more advanced emissions control technology. With nearly a 50 percent increase in freight tonnage moved by trucks expected over the next 30 years, the new rules from EPA and California are critical to continuing progress. The private sector, utilities, and other local regulations also play a major role. The status quo is simply not enough. A commitment to delivering clean air requires action to address truck emissions in warehouses.