Advanced Clean Fleets Program is Stuck in the New EPA

The Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation Faces Uncertain Future

California Withdraws Waiver Request for Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has decided to withdraw its request for a federal waiver. This waiver would have allowed California to enforce stricter emissions rules for certain truck fleets. Without it, some of the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) Regulation requirements cannot be enforced.

This change mostly affects high-priority fleets and drayage fleets—trucks used in ports and freight movement. These rules are now on hold. However, other parts of the ACF Regulation do not need federal approval. The rules for state and local government fleets remain in place.

Despite this pause, CARB is urging companies to continue reducing emissions. The agency encourages businesses to switch to Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs). CARB believes this will help protect public health and improve air quality across the state.

What is the Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation?

The Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation is designed to push more trucking fleets toward clean energy. It is part of California’s ongoing efforts to cut air pollution. The rule builds on previous policies, including the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which focused on reducing diesel emissions.

Here are the key goals of the regulation:

• High-priority fleets and drayage trucks must transition to ZEVs over time.

• By 2036, all new truck sales in California must be zero-emission.

• By 2050, California’s truck fleet is expected to include 1.69 million ZEVs.

• The state projects $26.5 billion in health benefits due to improved air quality.

• Fleet owners could save an estimated $48 billion in operating costs by 2050.

The ACF Regulation is part of California’s larger climate strategy. It aligns with Governor’s Executive Order N-79-20, which sets strict emission reduction targets. The goal is to phase out gas-powered trucks and promote sustainable freight transportation.

Federal Opposition and Legal Battles

California has long had the authority to set its own vehicle emissions rules. Under the Clean Air Act, the state could apply for waivers that let it enforce stricter pollution laws. However, the Trump Administration’s EPA is now challenging this authority.

Recently, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that the agency will send California’s Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and Omnibus NOx rules to Congress for review. The administration argues that California’s rules increase vehicle costs. It claims that these rules have raised the price of goods and hurt families nationwide.

The decision is part of the “Powering the Great American Comeback” initiative. This initiative focuses on reducing regulations that affect businesses. Some officials believe that blocking California’s stricter rules will help lower trucking costs and make goods more affordable.

Industry Reactions: A Divided Trucking Sector

The trucking industry is split on the ACF Regulation.

Many environmental advocates support the rule. They argue that switching to ZEVs is necessary to protect the environment and public health. Cleaner air means fewer respiratory illnesses and health problems for people who live near highways and freight hubs.

However, many trucking companies worry about the cost of compliance. Transitioning to electric or hydrogen-powered trucks is expensive. There are also concerns about the availability of charging stations and the reliability of electric trucks for long-haul routes.

What’s Next for the Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation?

CARB has not yet announced its next steps. However, the agency remains committed to reducing truck emissions. Companies in the trucking industry are watching closely. They want to know how these regulatory changes will impact their businesses, future investments, and compliance requirements.

The federal government is also increasing oversight. This means California may face more legal challenges when trying to enforce stricter environmental rules. The final outcome of these debates will affect truck owners, fleet operators, and the entire transportation industry for years to come.

For now, the future of the Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the debate over truck emissions rules is far from over.