Clean Freight Coalition Makes Urgent Call for Change

Clean Freight Coalition Calls for End to Clean Truck Partnership

The Clean Freight Coalition (CFC) has sent a strong message to truck manufacturers. In a letter last Wednesday, the coalition urged OEMs to leave the Clean Truck Partnership (CTP). The CTP is an agreement with the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

This action follows a federal antitrust lawsuit filed by Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers. The lawsuit accuses several truck manufacturers of anti-competitive behavior. Soon after, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) also called for an end to the CTP. The ATA said the agreement could harm the trucking industry.

CFC: “Emissions Regulations Are Causing Problems”

The CFC says new emissions rules are hurting the trucking industry. These rules come from CARB and the EPA. The coalition says they have caused a shortage of internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks.

Jim Mullen, the CFC’s Executive Director, shared his concerns in the letter. He wrote, “The Clean Truck Partnership agreement entered between your companies and CARB has served as tacit approval of the regulatory timelines and requirements mandated by CARB.”

The CFC highlighted several challenges. The cost of battery-electric vehicles is too high for most fleets. In addition, these vehicles often have limited range and are much heavier than ICE vehicles. The group also said that the infrastructure needed to support electric trucks is not ready yet.

Clean Freight Coalition: Collaboration Is the Solution

The CFC believes the trucking industry needs to work together. Mullen asked OEMs to leave the CTP. He encouraged them to collaborate with others to create realistic emissions standards.

“As the industry embarks on a new year and new Administration, industry collaboration is needed to reset and revise government standards that have been put in place,” Mullen wrote.

The coalition criticized some specific regulations. These include CARB’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) and Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rules. The CFC said these rules do not consider the unique needs of the trucking industry. They argued that more flexible and practical standards are necessary.

The Industry Is Facing Big Challenges

The trucking industry has long been concerned about emissions rules. Many industry leaders say these regulations are being implemented too quickly. They also believe the policies are not practical for most trucking businesses.

The CFC says the industry can overcome these challenges by working together. Mullen wrote, “History has proven that our industry can overcome obstacles of any nature when stakeholders are aligned; this obstacle is no different.”

The coalition asked truck manufacturers to partner with them. They want to create standards that are technology-neutral and achievable. The CFC believes this approach will reduce emissions while supporting the industry.

What Happens Next?

The CFC’s letter has added to the growing debate about emissions rules. With the antitrust lawsuit and rising opposition, the future of the CTP is unclear.

The coalition says that regulations must balance environmental goals with industry needs. They are calling for policies that protect the planet without putting truckers out of business.