Truck manufacturers Volvo, Daimler, Paccar, and International Motors have taken legal action against the state of California to block the enforcement of strict emissions standards that were previously nullified by former US President Donald Trump. The companies argue that they have been adversely affected by the revocation of waivers that allowed California to establish its own emissions regulations, which are more stringent than federal standards.
Following Trump’s decision to rescind the waivers granted during the Biden administration, the truckmakers find themselves in regulatory uncertainty. This uncertainty has hindered their ability to plan production effectively, as they are unsure about permissible vehicle sales without clarity on emissions requirements.
The lawsuit specifically targets the enforcement of the Clean Truck Partnership, a 2023 initiative aimed at increasing sales of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks and reducing nitrogen oxide emissions. The legal action names the California Air Resources Board and Governor Gavin Newsom as defendants, although there has been no response from their end at this time.
In a related development, the Federal Trade Commission concluded an antitrust investigation into the Clean Truck Partnership, with the truckmakers agreeing to refrain from future anticompetitive agreements with state regulators. This lawsuit is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to limit California’s authority under the federal Clean Air Act and restrict the state’s ability to set pollution limits that exceed federal mandates.
The state of California is actively challenging Trump’s actions in court, particularly his decision to block the state’s plan to phase out the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035. Since 1970, California has received over 100 waivers under the Clean Air Act, highlighting the state’s commitment to environmental regulations.
In July, the EPA proposed to repeal regulations addressing motor vehicles’ contributions to climate change, citing a reinstatement of consumer choice and the potential for reduced living costs. This ongoing legal battle underscores the complexities of environmental regulations and the challenges faced by both industry players and government agencies in balancing environmental concerns with economic interests.
