In a recent move to address the skirmish against air pollution from logistics centers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has enforced a South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) rule aimed at diminishing emissions from Southern California’s warehouses, according to a report from the EPA.

The federally mandated regulation targets indirect pollution sources, such as warehouses, where heavy freight traffic has long impacted surrounding communities. These areas now endure a constant assault of exhaust and particulate matter from diesel-powered trucks transporting goods daily. The ISR Rule 2305, implemented by the South Coast AQMD, aims to create a future where clean air is not a privilege but a standard. "South Coast’s rule, which we have now made federally enforceable, protects overburdened communities from the harmful effects of indirect sources of air pollution," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions (WAIRE) program introduces a unique point system that allows warehouses to earn points by adopting environmentally friendly practices, such as investing in cleaner technologies, utilizing solar power, constructing zero-emission stations, or paying mitigation fees. By 2025, large warehouses with indoor spaces exceeding 100,000 square feet will be required to comply, marking significant progress toward cleaner air and setting a precedent for regions facing similar pollution challenges.

This groundbreaking ISR rule is part of a broader initiative supported by the EPA's national efforts to enforce stricter emission standards for new vehicles, including the heavy-duty trucks that frequently operate in warehouse districts and contribute significantly to local smog. For many residents, the air they breathe brings pollution and fear of its impact on the health of their children, elders, and communities.