California, engine manufacturers enter Clean Truck Partnership to meet emissions goals

[TowForce]

July 10, 2023

The California Air Resources Board has entered an agreement for the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association and major OEMs to meet the regulatory agency's emissions requirements—even if another organization decides to challenge those regulations.

 

The California Air Resources Board, Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, and other manufacturers have entered into a Clean Truck Partnership to advance the development of zero-emission vehicles. A statement from CARB says the partnership includes flexibility for manufacturers to meet the state's emissions requirements, which many trucking stakeholders have criticized as unrealistically stringent.

The partnership marks a commitment from manufacturers to meet California standards that will require zero-emission technology, regardless of whether any other entity challenges the state's authority to set stricter standards under the federal Clean Air Act.

 

Additionally, CARB will align with EPA's 2027 regulations for nitrogen oxide emissions and has agreed to support the development of needed ZEV infrastructure.

 

The Clean Truck Partnership comes as the Golden State prepares for a mandated 100% transition to zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles under CARB's Advanced Clean Trucks and Advanced Clean Fleets rule by 2045. In March, under the Biden administration, the EPA granted California two Clean Air Act waivers allowing it to mandate that half of all new heavy-duty vehicles sold by 2035 will be electric .

 

"The unprecedented collaboration between California regulators and truck manufacturers marks a new era in our zero-emission future, where we work together to address the needs of both the trucking industry and the Californians who deserve to breathe clean air," said Liane Randolph, CARB chairperson. "This agreement makes it clear that we have shared goals to tackle pollution and climate change and to ensure the success of the truck owners and operators who provide critical services to California's economy."

 

EMA President Jed Mandel said in a statement: "This agreement reaffirms EMA's and its members' long-standing commitment to reducing emissions and to a zero-emissions commercial vehicle future, and it demonstrates how EMA and CARB can work together to achieve shared clean air goals. Through this agreement, we have aligned on a single nationwide nitrogen oxide emissions standard, secured needed lead time and stability for manufacturers, and agreed on regulatory changes that will ensure continued availability of commercial vehicles. We look forward to continuing to work constructively with CARB on future regulatory and infrastructure efforts designed to support a successful transition to ZEVs."

 

Signatories include Cummins, Daimler Truck North America, Ford, General Motors, Hino Motors, Isuzu, Navistar, Paccar, Stellantis, Volvo Group North America, and EMA

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Additionally, the partnership heavily restricts the legal challenges that EMA and the OEMs can bring against CARB requirements outlined in the agreement. The agreement also restricts manufacturers' ability to challenge CARB-inspired regulations in other states—such as Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington, together representing 22% of the national truck market—which drew criticism from the American Trucking Associations.

 

"We've long advocated for a single, national standard that respects and preserves interstate commerce. However, the trucking industry shouldn't be strong-armed by the government into an agreement with such terms," said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. "Our association represents motor carrier members—the paying customers who will inherit the costs of this agreement—and we will not roll over nor relinquish our right to litigate with any party when our interests are threatened. It is clear that America has lost its way when the government bullies the private sector to succumb to unachievable timelines, targets, and technologies."

 

https://www.fleetmaintenance.com/equipment/emissions-and-efficiency/article/53065508/carb-engine-makers-partner-on-emissions-goals