A coalition of 17 states has filed a lawsuit to halt California’s Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule, which aims for a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) fleet by the mid-2040s. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, names Steven Cliff, executive officer of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), as the defendant. The plaintiffs argue that the ACF rule imposes stricter emissions requirements than federal standards, creating economic and operational challenges for other states.
Key Points of the Lawsuit:
- Regulatory Overreach: The plaintiffs claim California’s ACF rule effectively exports its in-state regulations nationwide, impacting other states’ economies and logistics operations.
- Impact on Interstate Commerce: The lawsuit highlights concerns over the Commerce Clause, suggesting that varying state emissions standards could disrupt interstate commerce.
- Economic Impacts: The heavier weight of battery-electric trucks and increased demand for electricity are cited as potential burdens on state infrastructure and energy grids.
- Precedent of EPA Waivers: Similar to the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule, the plaintiffs argue that the ACF rule requires an EPA waiver to be enforceable.
Background and Current Status:
- ACT Rule: The ACT rule, targeting truck manufacturers, already received an EPA waiver, leading to a previous lawsuit.
- ACF Rule: Aimed at fleet operators, the ACF rule’s implementation is currently on hold due to a lawsuit by the California Trucking Association (CTA).
Implications for the Trucking Industry:
The outcome of this legal battle could set significant precedents for state vs. federal regulatory authority, impacting how emission standards are implemented across the U.S. The industry awaits further developments as the legal process unfolds.
