COLUMBIA, S.C. - The state of South Carolina has joined a number of other states in support of an appeal petition which pushes back on the EPA’s latest ruling on greenhouse gas emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles. 

The brief for state petitioners was filed on Oct. 16, including the arguments of the appeal within the document. 

The document regards the EPA’s ruling known as “Phase 3 greenhouse gas”, which sets stronger standards than the prior two phases. While the first two phases focus on creating better fuel efficiency standards to help decrease greenhouse gas emissions, Phase 3 focuses on creating “zero emission” vehicle fleets, according to the appeal, with some of those requirements taking effect on new vehicles as soon as 2027.

The appeal document states the Phase 3 ruling offers two pathways to achieve the zero emission goal. The first focuses on EV power trains, while the second would focus on a mix of powertrain technologies. 

However in the appeal, it argues the second pathway assumes the availability of a hydrogen-powered engine, which the EPA admits does not exist currently according to the document. It adds that the EPA will assume the first pathway is pursued, resulting in an electric vehicle mandate.

Meanwhile in phase 3 of the EPA’s ruling, it states that over time as vehicle manufactures find new ways to reduce emissions, they have also found ways to eliminate emissions entirely. It adds the ruling takes into account the ongoing technological innovations seen in heavy-duty vehicles. 

The underlying argument of the appeal states the EPA does not have the authority to electrify the country’s trucking fleet. It states the new rule would disrupt the heavy-duty trucking industry, jeopardize the stability of the electric-grid, and will lead to a rise in costs of both transportation and basic goods. 

In conclusion, the document asks the court of appeals to reverse the EPA’s ruling. 

For more you can see the full appeal petition here.