Letter to governors calls for collaborative, alternative solution to reduce truck emissions

Trucking industry representatives are asking governors in nine states to collaborate on alternative measures to reduce emissions from medium-
and heavy-duty trucks or risk significant industry disruptions and widespread industry losses under the pending Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rules.

In a letter to the governors of California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington, trucking industry leaders
outlined concerns about ACT rules, set to take effect at the beginning of 2025 and 2027 and asked state leaders to collaborate on a solution that reduces greenhouse gas emissions while protecting the supply chain and economies of the states:

“We are asking that the ACT date for implementation be deferred in order to ensure that our dealers and trucking companies are not unduly harmed, and to provide
for an opportunity to work together to find a solution that works toward our state’s environmental goals.”

The letter underscores the industry’s support for the goals of ACT, but warns of the impacts to the industry as a result of rushed implementation:

“The damage that our industry will incur by implementing ACT on its current rushed timeline will curtail these critical efforts as clean diesel truck availability
will become limited, keeping older, heavier polluting trucks on the road. It will also lead to the inevitable loss in jobs and businesses. Rather, we encourage your states to look at an alternative approach, similar to the SmartWay program, which is a voluntary
program with a proven record of success and widely supported by the industry.”

For months, industry leaders and fleet owners have been pushing back against ACT regulations requiring trucking companies to buy cleaner diesel trucks, citing a
shortage of diesel models. In the nine affected states, dealers are required to sell a percentage of zero-emission vehicles before securing orders for diesel vehicles. Concerns about the cost of new ZEVs, coupled with a lack of available infrastructure to
charge medium- and heavy-duty trucks also persist, and are giving customers pause. As a result, manufacturers are limited in the number of traditional diesels they can sell. The cumulative effect of these concerns is creating widespread challenges within the
industry:

“Right now, dealers across the country are struggling to find a way to navigate this situation. Many will not survive the economic impact of these rules,” the
letter states. “Many will shut down after being in business for generations. Many will cut jobs. Many will lose everything.”

Given the significant economic contributions of the trucking industry to the nation’s supply chain and overall economy, a short-term delay or alternative program
in the wake of such profound impacts should merit closer consideration. The letter concludes:

“At our core, the greater American trucking industry supports the goals of ACT. We are not pushing back because we’re opposed to sustainable change. It is possible
to work together to develop a commonsense solution which supports each of our states’ business and environmental goals.”