ATD “pleased and relieved” CARB abandons Advanced Clean Fleets truck rule

ATD President Jacqueline Gelb on Wednesday issued the following statement in response to CARB’s withdrawal of its Advanced Clean Fleets Waiver request to EPA:

“ATD and America’s heavy-duty truck dealers are pleased and relieved that California has abandoned its completely unrealistic and unworkable Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, which would have forced trucking fleets to adopt zero-emission trucks at levels far above anything that is practical or sensible in today’s market and given today’s significant technological limitations.

“California’s mad dash to force the commercial vehicle industry into technologies that are nowhere near ready for full-scale adoption has already devastated the market, with Class 8 truck registrations in the state down 50 percent year-over-year due in combination to CARB’s Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) zero-emissions sales mandate, and Omnibus Low NOx regulations (ACT II rule).

“The commercial truck industry is very diverse in its operations and models, reflecting the important work that trucks do every day to support our country. Truck dealers serve a vital role as advocates between vehicle manufacturers and motor carriers, but California’s overly aggressive regulatory regime has prevented dealers from being able to stock or sell nearly enough newer, cleaner diesel trucks to our willing customers.

“ATD has engaged with the Trump transition team to express support for its intention to revoke the remaining California ACT and Omnibus NOx CARB waivers, and will continue to press for a sensible and achievable emissions regulations that reflect the market realities of the industry.”