New Hanover County leaders hold ‘clean truck standard’ press conference

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Several local leaders joined public health officials on Wednesday, calling for stronger clean truck standards to reduce emissions. 

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo and New Hanover County Commissioner Rob Zapple joined public health professionals and advocates for a virtual press conference.  

They’re encouraging public support for the adoption of robust clean truck standards. 

While heavy-duty vehicles make up just 10% of the vehicles now on the road, they generate more than 25% of the total pollution from the transportation sector. 

“We love where we live and I see this legislation enhancing these heavy truck standards as just one more way to spread that love to our entire community,” Zapple said. 

The press conference concluded with a unanimous call for the EPA to finalize the strongest possible clean truck standards before the close of the year.