Persistent Environmental Injustice due to Brake and Tire Wear Emissions and Heavy-Duty Trucks in Future California Zero-Emission Fleets
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) offers multiple benefits for the climate, air quality, and public health by reducing tailpipe emissions. However, the environmental justice implications of the nonexhaust emissions from future ZEV fleets for near-roadway communities remain unclear. Here, we model the on-road fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) emissions across all California counties and assess the near-roadway exposure disparities at the census block group level in the Los Angeles County in 2050, when almost all passenger vehicles are projected to be ZEVs. We found that promoting zero-emission heavy-duty trucks generates more air quality benefits for disadvantaged communities than light-duty passenger vehicles. Persistent disparities in near-roadway PM 2.5 levels, however, exist due to the remaining brake and tire wear emissions and increased truck traffic in disadvantaged communities. We recommend implementing fleet-specific ZEV policies to address brake and tire wear emissions and optimizing freight structures to address these persistent environmental justice issues in California.
Institutions: University of California, Los Angeles, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, University of California System, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Transport, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Awards: G3341725998, G4597325257, G8805037487
OpenAlex ID: W4403549216