New Advanced Clean Trucks Rules Face Pushback from Trucking Leaders

Trucking Associations Ask Governors to Rethink ACT Rules

A coalition of trucking associations from nine states has sent a joint letter to their governors. The letter outlines concerns about the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rules. The ACT rules are set to take effect in 2025 and 2027. The trucking groups warn the rules could harm businesses and jobs. They also stress their support for reducing emissions.

Concerns About the ACT Rules Timeline

The letter highlights the trucking industry’s concerns about the ACT rules. While the industry agrees with reducing emissions, it sees the current timeline as unrealistic. According to the letter, the rushed implementation could lead to problems. Clean diesel trucks may not be widely available. As a result, older, more polluting trucks could stay on the road longer. This could hurt the environment instead of helping it.

The letter also mentions possible economic effects. Many trucking companies could face financial hardship. Some might even have to close their doors. This could lead to job losses across the industry. The trucking groups are asking for more time to meet these requirements.

A Model for Success: The SmartWay Program

The letter refers to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay program as an example of what works. The SmartWay program is a voluntary partnership between the government and the trucking industry. It has helped reduce emissions and improve freight efficiency since 2004.

The letter states that SmartWay has been a major success. It reports that the program has prevented 170 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. It has also cut other harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. The trucking groups suggest using a similar voluntary approach instead of mandatory rules like ACT.

Infrastructure and Financial Barriers Facing the ACT Rules

The letter raises concerns about infrastructure challenges. States like New York have yet to build any charging stations for medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks. This lack of infrastructure makes the ACT rules even harder to follow. The letter also mentions efforts to create an electric vehicle corridor along Interstate 5. However, it notes that these projects are still years from completion.

Economic recovery after COVID-19 is another challenge. Many trucking companies, dealers, and manufacturers are still struggling. They are dealing with limited resources and shifting priorities. The letter warns that the ACT rules will only add to these difficulties.

The Vital Role of Trucks in the Economy

The letter reminds governors of trucking’s importance to the U.S. economy. It states that trucks transport over 70% of goods in the country. This includes essential items like food, medicine, and construction materials. Disruptions in trucking could delay these critical deliveries. The effects would ripple through the entire economy, affecting businesses and consumers alike.

ACT Rules Face Political Uncertainty

The letter points out the potential for changes in federal policies. It mentions a possible return to Trump-era regulations. These regulations previously blocked states like California from setting stricter emissions rules. The trucking groups question whether it makes sense to implement ACT rules now, given this uncertainty.

A Call for Cooperation

The letter ends with a call for collaboration. It emphasizes that the trucking industry is not against change. Instead, it wants to work with state governments to find practical solutions. The goal is to balance environmental progress with economic stability. The authors express urgency, stating, “We are running out of time.”

This letter highlights the challenges of meeting climate goals while supporting a vital industry. As the ACT rules enforcement date approaches, collaboration between governments and the trucking industry will be crucial.

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