The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a rule adopted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) aimed at reducing air pollution generated by warehouse operations in Southern California. This includes emissions from freight vehicle trips to and from warehouses.
“South Coast’s rule, which we have now made federally enforceable, protects overburdened communities from the harmful effects of indirect sources of air pollution,” stated EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “These indirect sources, such as warehouses, ports, and rail yards, all contribute to pollution and therefore must be addressed so our communities can breathe cleaner air."
“EPA’s approval of our Warehouse Indirect Source Rule ensures that we will continue to make progress on improving air quality in the South Coast air basin,” said South Coast AQMD Executive Officer Wayne Nastri. “This is especially important for communities surrounding warehouses, which more often are impacted by greater environmental burdens as well as higher rates of asthma.”
Pollution from indirect sources like ports, warehouses, railyards, and airports contributes significantly to poor air quality in the greater Los Angeles region. The South Coast AQMD Warehouse Indirect Source Review (ISR) Rule is part of a broader strategy to reduce emissions associated with these sources and improve public health.
Adopted in 2021, ISR Rule 2305 aims to reduce harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter linked to warehouse operations. These include truck trips delivering goods to and from facilities, yard trucks, and transport refrigeration units.
The rule introduces a point system known as Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions (WAIRE). Warehouses can earn WAIRE points by investing in zero-emission or near-zero-emission technologies, using solar power, installing onsite zero-emission charging or fueling infrastructure, or installing filtration systems in qualified buildings like schools. Other options include developing a custom WAIRE plan or paying mitigation fees. By 2025, warehouses with at least 100,000 square feet of indoor floor space will be subject to this rule.
In addition to this local ISR rule, national-level actions by the EPA aim to tighten engine emission standards for new vehicles including heavy-duty trucks. These measures are supported by federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act which together invest heavily in moving towards a zero-emission economy.
In June 2024, the EPA awarded AQMD nearly half a billion dollars to reduce transportation and goods movement-related climate pollution in Southern California.
EPA’s approval of ISR Rule 2305 underscores its commitment to environmental justice and civil rights -- ensuring fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin or income in environmental law development and implementation.
