News Summary
Major truck manufacturers, including Daimler and PACCAR, have filed a lawsuit against California, challenging the enforcement of the Advanced Clean Trucks mandate. They argue the regulations create an ‘impossible’ operational situation, exacerbated by recent federal actions that invalidate EPA waivers. This legal conflict highlights the ongoing tensions between state efforts to implement stricter emissions standards and federal rollback policies, affecting the trucking industry’s compliance with environmental regulations.
California – Major truck manufacturers, including Daimler, PACCAR, Volvo Group North America, and International Motors, have formally filed a lawsuit in the U.S District Court for the Eastern District of California. The manufacturers are aiming to halt the enforcement of the California Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) mandate, which they describe as creating an “impossible” operational situation. This lawsuit arises in the wake of recent federal actions that have invalidated the waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that allowed California’s emissions regulations to proceed.
The conflict stems from federal legislative and executive actions that have interfered with California’s ability to implement stricter emissions standards. The truck manufacturers argue that recent changes render compliance with the state’s emissions regulations increasingly challenging. Concurrently, California insists that federal actions to overturn EPA waivers are illegal and continues to demand compliance with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards.
To navigate the emerging disparities between state and federal regulations, the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) had agreed in 2023 to a framework known as the Clean Truck Partnership (CTP). This partnership was intended to facilitate compliance with the ACT while aligning California’s mandates with federal regulations. However, developments such as a letter sent by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on August 7 directed Daimler and other manufacturers to cease complying with the CTP, raising significant concerns over legal obligations.
In response to the manufacturers’ lawsuit, CARB has also initiated its own litigation against the federal government, maintaining that EPA waivers are not subject to disapproval under the Congressional Review Act. The truck manufacturers, in their suit, have requested clear guidelines from CARB regarding their obligations under the CTP, asserting that conflicting federal laws preempt these obligations.
Recent actions by CARB have imposed additional requirements on manufacturers. A Manufacturers Advisory Correspondence issued on May 23 prompted engine makers to follow CARB’s preempted standards in order to ensure lawful sales in California. Furthermore, the executive order from California Governor Gavin Newsom has reportedly warned manufacturers that unwelcome regulatory treatment could ensue if they fail to adhere to the ACT mandates.
Despite CARB’s adjustments to the ACT intended to offer some flexibility, the agency also highlighted commitments linked to the CTP, presenting an ongoing struggle for the manufacturers. The lawsuit points to an environment where compliance with the ACT is now more complicated, particularly following the elimination of the Advanced Clean Fleets rule, which previously mandated fleets to procure a designated percentage of zero-emission vehicles.
In addition to seeking clarification on emissions rules and obligations for the 2026 model year, the truck manufacturers have also cited potential violations of the Clean Air Act’s preemption provisions by California. They challenge the constitutional validity of a particular provision in the CTP that limits manufacturers’ ability to contest CARB’s methodologies and decisions. The manufacturers seek injunctive relief to prevent CARB from enforcing the ACT and other related regulations.
While CARB has declined to comment on the pending lawsuit, the Clean Freight Coalition has voiced support for the truck manufacturers, describing the lawsuit as necessary. Conversely, environmental critics have argued that the manufacturers’ claims contradict the original intent of the Clean Truck Partnership, which aimed to ease transitions through regulatory changes.
This lawsuit underscores a significant clash between California’s ambitious climate strategies and federal regulatory rollbacks. As truck manufacturers navigate these conflicting demands, the implications for the industry’s operational viability and environmental policy remain critically important.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- FreightWaves: Impossible Position Cited by Truck Manufacturers in Lawsuit Against California
- Wikipedia: California Air Resources Board
- Politico: California Trump Truck Emission Rules
- Google Search: California truck emission lawsuit
- San Francisco Chronicle: California Trucking Lawsuit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California Environmental Protection Agency
- Trucking Dive: OEMs Sue CARB Clean Truck Partnership
- Google Scholar: California trucking lawsuit
- The Hill: Truck Makers Sue California Emissions
- Google News: California trucking lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
