California Diesel Ban: What Happened with CARB Now?

California has pulled back on several clean-air regulations including a California diesel ban before President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office. The state had pushed these rules to reduce air pollution and fight climate change. However, officials feared the incoming administration would block the efforts. CalMatters reports that the state withdrew its requests to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to avoid potential rejection.

Major Rules on Hold

California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) stopped pursuing approval for four major policies. These rules included:

1. Diesel Truck Phase-Out: The Advanced Clean Fleet Rule aimed to phase out diesel trucks. It would have banned the sale of new fossil-fuel trucks by 2036. Large fleets would have been required to switch to electric or hydrogen models by 2042.

2. Limits on Older Trains: The Locomotive Rule would have banned locomotives over 23 years old by 2030. It also required new locomotives to use zero-emission technology.

3. Commercial Harbor Craft and Refrigeration Units: These rules targeted emissions from ships and refrigerated truck trailers.

The Biden administration had approved California’s plan to phase out gas-powered cars by 2035. However, these additional rules needed separate waivers, which the EPA had not yet granted. CARB decided to withdraw the requests rather than risk rejection under the Trump administration.

CARB Chair Liane Randolph explained the decision in a statement. “California has withdrawn its pending waiver and authorization requests that U.S. EPA has not yet acted on,” she said. “While we are disappointed that U.S. EPA was unable to act on all the requests in time, the withdrawal is an important step given the uncertainty presented by the incoming administration.”

Responses from Environmentalists and Industry

The withdrawal sparked strong reactions from both environmental groups and the trucking industry.

Environmentalists were upset about the decision. They pointed out the serious health risks linked to diesel emissions. Paul Cort, director of Earthjustice’s Right to Zero campaign, said, “To meet basic standards for healthy air, California has to shift to zero-emissions trucks and trains in the coming years. Diesel is one of the most dangerous kinds of air pollution for human health, and California’s diesel problem is big enough to cast its own shadow.”

On the other hand, trucking industry leaders were relieved. Eric Sauer, CEO of the California Trucking Association, had long argued that the Advanced Clean Fleet Rule was unrealistic. “The California Trucking Association has consistently stated the Advanced Clean Fleets Rule was unachievable,” Sauer said. He added that the industry would work with regulators to reduce emissions in a practical way.

Legal and Political Challenges

California has special authority under the Clean Air Act to set stricter emission rules. The EPA must approve waivers for the state to enforce these rules. For decades, these waivers were routinely granted. However, during Trump’s previous term, his administration tried to block California’s authority. The Biden administration later reversed this decision.

With Trump returning to office, lawsuits over California’s environmental policies are expected. Randolph acknowledged the need for legal action to protect the state’s programs. “The Trump administration has not indicated a lot of support for our clean air and climate strategy, right?” she said. “So our concern was that if we leave them hanging out there, we don’t know what they’re going to do with them.”

Business groups are also expected to file lawsuits against existing policies. For instance, some have already challenged California’s ban on the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035.

Health and Economic Concerns

The Advanced Clean Fleet Rule targeted diesel emissions from about 1.8 million trucks in California. Diesel exhaust is linked to cancer, asthma, and heart disease. Communities near highways, ports, and warehouses are hit hardest by the pollution. Many of these neighborhoods are low-income and face higher health risks.

However, the trucking industry argued that the rule was too expensive and impractical. Electric and hydrogen trucks remain costly, and charging and fueling infrastructure is limited. Small operators were especially concerned about the financial strain.

Despite these challenges, some companies have already started adopting zero-emission vehicles. Pepsi and Amazon are among those leading the way. In 2023, over 18,000 zero-emission trucks were sold in California, making up one in six new truck sales.

California Diesel and the Path Forward

California is unlikely to introduce new vehicle regulations during Trump’s term. Instead, the state may focus on voluntary agreements with industries to reduce emissions. Randolph emphasized the importance of continuing the fight for cleaner air. “It’s clear that the public health, air quality, and climate challenges that California faces require urgent action,” she said. “We are ready and committed to continuing the important work of building a clean air future.”

Environmental groups are pushing state leaders to keep working toward stricter pollution controls. At the same time, industry groups are urging practical and balanced solutions. The future of California’s clean-air policies remains uncertain as the state adjusts to the new administration.