24 States Oppose California’s EPA Waiver Request

A coalition of 24 states has formally opposed California’s attempt to enforce stricter emissions standards on visiting trucks. On September 16, 2024, the states submitted a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The group, led by Nebraska, argues that California’s Advanced Clean Fleets regulation would create costly complications for truckers traveling through the state.

What is the Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation?

California’s Advanced Clean Fleets regulation requires medium- and heavy-duty trucks to transition to zero-emission vehicles. This includes a mandate that drayage trucks must be zero-emission by 2035, with all trucks in California to follow by 2045, where feasible.

But the regulation has a critical early deadline. Starting in 2025, any trucking company with 50 or more vehicles, or $50 million in gross annual revenue, will need to begin replacing its fleet with electric trucks. This aggressive timeline has sparked serious concerns among interstate truckers and companies who frequently operate in California.

The Coalition’s Argument

The 24-state coalition, which includes states like Texas, Alabama, and Indiana, opposes California’s request for a Clean Air Act waiver that would allow it to enforce these stricter emissions rules. The states argue that the mandate would have a national impact, affecting trucking companies across the country.

For companies operating in multiple states, complying with California’s rules means adding costly electric trucks to their fleets. Battery-electric rigs cost significantly more than diesel trucks, and the infrastructure needed to support them—such as charging stations—is limited. The states claim this will disrupt supply chains and increase the cost of goods.

Moreover, the regulation specifically targets large fleets, which make up a significant portion of the trucking industry. Any company with 50 or more vehicles or $50 million in revenue will be forced to comply, even if they do not primarily operate in California. This, according to the coalition, is a burden that many fleets simply cannot afford.

Impact on Truckers and the Industry

Truck drivers and fleet operators will feel the effects if the EPA grants the waiver. Larger trucking companies will face expensive fleet upgrades as early as 2025, and this could affect trucking rates, delivery times, and even jobs. With fewer routes available due to the lack of charging infrastructure, truckers may see their ability to transport goods efficiently diminished.

The coalition also argues that this regulation is unconstitutional. The Clean Air Act’s waiver provision applies only to California, giving it special regulatory powers no other state has. The group believes this violates the principle of equal sovereignty and would unfairly allow California to dictate national trucking standards.

Looking Ahead

The EPA is reviewing California’s waiver request, and public hearings are expected. Trucking companies and industry professionals should monitor the situation closely. The decision could dramatically impact how fleets operate in California and potentially set a precedent for other states to follow.

Conclusion

The Advanced Clean Fleets regulation could reshape the trucking industry, especially for companies with larger fleets or significant revenue. As the EPA considers the waiver, this challenge from 24 states highlights the complex balance between environmental goals and the economic realities of interstate commerce.