State Trucking Groups Tout CARB Retreat, Continue Fight

State trucking associations celebrated the decision by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to halt its Advanced Clean Fleets rule, which would have required zero-emission trucks for California. However, they are troubled by the ongoing implementation of the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulations in California and across several other states, including Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington this year, with more states scheduled to follow in subsequent years. Louis Campion from the Maryland Motor Truck Association expressed relief over the CARB's decision, emphasizing that it won’t have much impact on Maryland since the EPA never approved the ACF rule in the first place. He speculated that the reversal of CARB’s plans was influenced by changes in the political landscape. Rebecca Oyler of the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association welcomed the move but voiced concerns about the long-term uncertainty for trucking businesses and the pressure placed on them due to regulations stemming from policies in other states. She criticized the delegation of emissions rules to authorities in another state, as seen in Pennsylvania. Kevin Weeks, from the Trucking Association of Massachusetts, highlighted ongoing frustrations with the ACT regulations that have already come into force, describing them as unrealistic and unworkable. Despite attempts from lawmakers and industry stakeholders to delay the regulations, their efforts have met with resistance from the state government. The reaction from these associations underscores the tension between state-level environmental policies and the practical realities faced by the trucking industry. As transportation systems transition towards more sustainable practices, it is crucial to ensure that regulations balance environmental goals with feasibility for businesses. The challenge remains in creating equitable frameworks that consider the operational capabilities of various states and industries while still advancing necessary environmental objectives.