EU set to dump tougher Euro 7 emission rules: 'Reason prevails over ideology'

BRUSSELS — New European Union pollution rules for combustion engine cars and trucks are set to be less ambitious than originally planned, after lawmakers voted on Thursday to delay and weaken some of the regulations.

The EU's proposed "Euro 7" law would tighten limits on health-harming pollutants from combustion engine cars. The European Commission, which drafts new EU laws, has said the health benefits would far outweigh the costs.

However, EU countries and lawmakers - which are in charge of negotiating the final law in the coming months - have each agreed to weaken the rules.

The European Parliament approved its negotiating position on Thursday.

Lawmakers voted to keep the Commission's proposal on nitrous oxides (NOx), particulate matter and carbon monoxide limits for cars. But they weakened NOx limits for trucks, and delayed when the rules will apply - for cars, to three years after all secondary legislation associated with the proposal is passed.