What is the significance of "EPA Tier" standards?

The significance of "EPA Tier" standards lies in their role as regulatory measures that set limits on the amount of pollutants that new vehicles can emit. These standards are designed to reduce harmful emissions, such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds, which contribute to air pollution and pose health risks to the public and the environment. By establishing these emission limits, the EPA aims to ensure that vehicles produced meet certain environmental performance criteria, promoting cleaner air and protecting public health. This focus on emissions is crucial to efforts in combating climate change and reducing the impact of transportation on air quality.