Health Costs From Vehicle Emissions Studied
The health and climate costs of gasoline-powered vehicles operating in 10 states added $18.42 to the overall impact of a 16-gallon tank of gasoline in 2015, the American Lung Association claims in a new report.

Photo courtesy of the American Lung Association.

Photo courtesy of the American Lung Association.
The health and climate costs of gasoline-powered vehicles operating in 10 states added $18.42 to the overall impact of a 16-gallon tank of gasoline in 2015, the American Lung Association claims in a new report.
At an average price of $2.23, gasoline for that 16-gallon tank would cost $35.68. Of the $18.42, $11.82 is associated with health costs and $6.55 is associated with climate costs.
The report advocates for a shift to zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) and studied the 10 states that have adopted ZEV mandates, including California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont. A ZEV is defined as a battery-electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid vehicle, or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.
Using 2015 as a baseline, the report estimates the reduced impact on health and climate costs if ZEVs made up 65% of all cars on the road by 2050. If that scenario unfolds, costs associated with vehicle pollution would fall to $15.7 billion from $37 billion annually.
Annual pollution-related impacts would drop by more than 85%, due to fewer lost work days caused by pollution-related illnesses, fewer asthma attacks and fewer premature deaths.
The report recommends that the California Air Resources Board strengthen the state's ZEV program in 2017 to ensure that 1.5 million ZEVs are on the road.
Read the association's full "Clean Air Future" report here.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Safety & Compliance

GeoFencing Adds to Your Truck Security Arsenal
Geofencing is a familiar fleet tool today, but its early adoption marked a major shift in vehicle tracking, route monitoring, and the debate over employee privacy.
Read More →
Recalls You Need to Know About in October 2026
In October 2026, what recalls might impact your fleet? Work Truck has the answers in this comprehensive overview of recent NHTSA recalls.
Read More →
Construction Fleets Show Telematics Adoption Alone May Not Reduce Driving Risk
SambaSafety found construction fleets monitor roughly 92% of their vehicles but recorded the highest severe speeding rate among industries studied.
Read More →From Our Partners

Lytx Launches 360 Hub Kit for Expanded Fleet Camera Visibility
Lytx’s new AI-ready gateway and HD auxiliary camera ecosystem, the Lytx 360 Hub Kit, extends visibility across side, rear, cargo, and blind-zone views to help fleets see more and respond faster.
Read More →
Mack Defense Achieves Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level 2
After an assessment conducted by an authorized Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO), Mack Defense has achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2.
Read More →
When Work Trucks Under 26,001 Pounds Need IRP Registration
Think trucks under 26,001 pounds are automatically in the clear when it comes to IRP? Not always. Learn where lighter vehicles can still run into trip permit, apportioned registration, and IFTA compliance requirements when crossing state or provincial lines.
Read More →
Smith System Wants Work Truck Fleets to Look Beyond the Driver Alert
Smith System’s new Driver Risk Management program is built to help mixed work truck fleets turn telematics alerts and observations into specific behaviors, coaching actions, and measurable follow-up.
Read More →
Volvo Trucks Releases New Safety Recommendations for Traveling with Pets
One of the most important recommendations for professional drivers traveling with pets is to ensure pets are properly restrained while the truck is moving. Other tips are available in the new guide from Volvo Trucks North America and Center for Pet Safety.
Read More →
Are Work Truck Drivers Warming Up to Dash Cams and GPS Tracking?
A new survey finds field-service drivers may be more comfortable with dash cams and GPS tracking than fleet managers think, especially when the technology helps protect them after a crash.
Read More →
Recalls You Need to Know About in September 2026
If you have Altec, Chrysler, Ford, Heil, General Motors, International, Mack Trucks, Paccar, Rivian, Royal Truck, Toyota, US Truck Body, or Volvo Trucks vehicles in your fleet, you should check these important recalls issued by the National Highway Safety Administration.
Read More →



