In a surprise move, California withdraws zero-emission truck rules ahead of Trump admin return
Efforts to ban heavy-duty diesel trucks and locomotives have hit a roadblock as California
unexpectedly withdrew its request for federal approval of stricter emissions rules. The
withdrawal came because the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had yet to approve
the regulations.
California made the decision just days before Donald Trump, who had previously sought to
undermine the state’s climate initiatives during his first administration, returned to office.
Regulations proposed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) aimed to ban new diesel
trucks by 2036 and require fleet owners to phase them out entirely by 2046. The initiative,
known as the Advanced Clean Fleets rule, sought to replace diesel trucks with electric and
hydrogen-powered alternatives, which are two to three times more expensive but significantly
reduce emissions.
“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
that previously attacked California’s programs to protect public health and the climate and has
said it will continue to oppose those programs,” CARB Chair Liane Randolph said in a
statement.
Paul Cort, director of Earthjustice’s Right to Zero campaign, also voiced frustration over
California’s decision. He emphasized their commitment to working tirelessly in the coming years
to clean up the freight system and “fix the mess that the EPA’s inaction has created.”
Meanwhile, Mike Alpern, spokesperson for the EPA’s Pacific Southwest region, confirmed that
the agency would no longer act on the rules.
California has historically held the power to enforce emissions standards that exceed federal
regulations. That authority faced a challenge during Trump’s first term but was upheld by a
federal court last year. Recently, the EPA reaffirmed California’s authority, allowing the state to
move forward with its plan to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035.
