Why Washington Should Rethink Following California’s Path on Electric Semi-Trucks

The Washington Trucking Associations (WTA) has raised significant concerns about Washington State’s decision to adopt California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) program, a policy aimed at accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) for medium and heavy-duty trucks. While the intent behind the policy is to reduce emissions and promote environmental sustainability, the WTA argues that the move could have severe unintended consequences for the state’s trucking industry and broader economy.

Key Challenges with ACT Implementation in Washington

The ACT program mandates that truck manufacturers sell a certain percentage of ZEVs in Washington starting in 2025, with the percentages increasing annually until 2035. The WTA highlights several critical issues with this policy:

1. High Costs and Infrastructure Challenges: Zero-emission trucks are significantly more expensive than their diesel counterparts—about two and a half times more. This cost is compounded by the current lack of sufficient charging infrastructure, which is expensive and time-consuming to develop. Furthermore, electric trucks have limited range (approximately 150-200 miles per charge) and reduced payload capacity, making them less viable for long-haul routes.
2. Impact on Truck Availability and Operations: The WTA points out that the ACT policy could lead to a decrease in the availability of new trucks in Washington. Truck manufacturers may withhold deliveries of diesel trucks until a dealer can demonstrate the sale of a ZEV, which could severely limit the options for trucking companies. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that Washington’s trucking market is not as large or economically robust as California’s, making it harder for the state to compete in the market for zero-emission trucks.
3. Economic Implications for Motor Carriers: The WTA warns that the high costs and operational challenges associated with ZEVs could force motor carriers to either hold on to older, less efficient trucks for longer or reduce their operations in Washington. This could have a ripple effect across the entire supply chain, increasing costs for consumers and potentially leading to shortages of goods and services. Additionally, some trucking companies may choose to relocate to states that have not adopted California’s stringent emission standards, further weakening Washington’s trucking industry.

Washington’s Unique Position and the Need for a Tailored Approach

The WTA emphasizes that Washington is not California. While California has been building support for decarbonization for decades and has implemented robust incentive programs to support the transition, Washington does not have the same level of resources or infrastructure in place. Moreover, California’s economy is the fifth largest in the world, giving it a unique capacity to absorb the costs and challenges associated with aggressive environmental policies. In contrast, Washington’s economy, while strong, is heavily trade-dependent, and the trucking industry plays a crucial role in maintaining the state’s supply chain resilience.

The WTA argues that Washington’s adoption of the ACT program could lead to significant disruptions in the trucking industry, with potentially severe economic consequences. The organization suggests that Washington should consider a more gradual approach, tailored to the state’s specific needs and challenges. This could involve adopting federal emission standards, which are more flexible and provide a more realistic timeline for the transition to zero-emission trucks.

Conclusion

While the transition to zero-emission vehicles is an important goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the WTA believes that Washington’s adoption of California’s ACT program is too aggressive and could have unintended consequences for the state’s trucking industry and economy. The organization urges policymakers to reconsider this approach and work with industry stakeholders to develop a more balanced and sustainable path forward.

By addressing these concerns, Washington can ensure that its environmental goals are achieved without compromising the viability of its trucking industry, which is essential for the state’s economic health and the well-being of its residents.