California regulators and some truck manufacturers are facing growing pushback from truckers and red states as they push for electric vehicle (EV) adoption across the state. [emphasis, links added]
Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order in September 2020 to phase out the sale of all new gas-powered vehicles in the state by 2035. The state and several automakers face a raft of lawsuits related to the new rules.
Some truckers and red states are trying to block rules they say would slow down supply chains and force a “shift to more expensive and less efficient electric trucks.” According to a trucking group.
The Western Propane Gas Association sued the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in August over its zero-emission forklift rule that it said would impose costs on California forklift owners and operators.
Other trade and trucking groups have criticized CARB's recently introduced regulations to reduce air pollution.
The American Chamber of Free Enterprise (AmFree), a business lobby group, also filed a lawsuit against CARB and several truck manufacturers on December 16, alleging California has formed a “collusive” partnership with heavy-duty truck manufacturers to phase out internal combustion engines in the state by 2036.
The lawsuit criticizes some of California's vehicle laws as “mandatory,” claiming Some truck manufacturers have “reached comfortable cartel arrangements” with CARBwhich will The so-called costs of complying with new regulations are ultimately passed on to consumers.
“CARB’s typhoon of coercive and damaging regulations had its intended effect: manufacturers capitulated,” the lawsuit states.
“However, in return for recognition of CARB suzerainty, Manufacturers have been given comfortable cartel arrangements that ensure them a steady stream of super-competitive profits, subsidies and tax credits. By acting in sync as an industry, this arrangement ensures The cost would not be borne by the manufacturer but would be passed on to customers downstream and then to the rest of the country.
CARB announced the Clean Truck Partnership in July 2023, an agreement with several major truck and engine manufacturers to advance the development of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) for the commercial trucking industry, including Flexibility for manufacturers to meet emissions requirements while still meeting the state’s climate and emissions reduction goals.
Agreement provisions California will give truck and engine manufacturers that sign the agreement more time to comply with the state's emissions requirements.
Read the break from The Daily Caller
