Researchers at Northwestern University have conducted a study on the potential effects of adopting zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in the greater Chicago area. The study, which was published in the journal Frontiers of Earth Science, found that implementing an Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) policy similar to California's could significantly improve air quality and public health in Illinois.
The research team, motivated by California’s ACT policy, collaborated with Neighbors for an Equitable Transition to Zero-Emissions (NET-Z) Illinois members to explore how such a strategy might impact Cook County and surrounding areas. By simulating future conditions under an ACT policy, they discovered that it could prevent 500 premature deaths and 600 new pediatric asthma cases annually within the greater Chicago area.
Victoria Lang, who led the study as a Ph.D. candidate at Northwestern’s Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, emphasized the significance of these findings: “Avoiding 600 new pediatric cases of asthma per year is sparing 25 classrooms of students from a chronic lung disease."
The research utilized an augmented Environmental Protection Act (EPA) air-quality model to better reflect satellite observations and local community experiences. Insights from various organizations including the Respiratory Health Association and Warehouse Workers for Justice informed this work.
California's ACT policy aims to replace about 50% of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles with ZEVs by 2050. Daniel Horton, senior author of the study and associate professor at Northwestern, explained: “ACT aims to reach an approximately 50% ZEV fleet by 2050 because trucking companies have economics to consider.”
Horton’s laboratory previously modeled scenarios where a portion of current heavy-duty vehicles in Chicago shifted to electric versions. However, local community groups noted gaps in emissions data accuracy. Citizen scientists deployed cameras along major corridors like I-55 to collect more precise data on truck traffic patterns.
After integrating this new information into their models, researchers simulated pollution levels post-ACT adoption. They found that NO2 levels would decrease by 8.4%, resulting in substantial health benefits including fewer premature deaths and asthma cases annually.
Beyond health improvements, adopting ACT regulations could save Illinois $731 million annually in avoided health costs and climate damages. Communities disproportionately affected by pollution — often those near major roadways — would see significant benefits.
As Illinois considers adopting the ACT policy, this research highlights its potential positive impact on public health and systemic pollution disparities. Robert Weinstock from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law leads efforts urging adoption while Horton provides expert testimony on projected benefits.
“Ultimately, it’s up to individual states to adopt the ACT standard,” Horton said. “This is an opportunity for Illinois to lead — by adopting a policy that is good for both Illinois residents’ health and for global climate.”
The study was supported by the National Science Foundation and Environmental Defense Fund.