Exposure to Diesel Particulate Pollution in Rhode Island

Exhaust from diesel trucks and buses is a leading source of harmful air pollution that sends Rhode Island residents to the hospital every year. Though medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses make up only 6 percent of the state’s over 800,000 registered vehicles, they contribute a disproportionate 50 percent of nitrogen oxide (NOx), 44 percent of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and 24 percent of global warming emissions from all on-road vehicles in the state.

Strong federal, state, and local policies are necessary to ensure a rapid and equitable transition to electric trucks and buses. A first step is adopting the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) rule, a first-of-its kind regulation that requires manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of electric trucks per year. Acknowledging the history of disproportionate air pollution impacts in Rhode Island, the ACT is only a first step of many that are necessary to guarantee pollution reductions in the communities that need it the most. Now is the time for Rhode Island to step up its climate and clean air leadership.