News Summary
Four major truck manufacturers, including Daimler and Volvo, have filed a lawsuit against the California Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) mandate. They argue that conflicting federal regulations make compliance impossible. California officials, however, insist that the manufacturers must adhere to state regulations. The lawsuit highlights broader tensions between California’s climate policies and recent federal rollbacks, affecting the transportation sector’s regulatory landscape.
California truck manufacturers Daimler, PACCAR, Volvo Group North America, and International Motors have initiated a lawsuit in the U.S District Court for the Eastern District of California in an effort to halt the enforcement of the California Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) mandate. The manufacturers characterize their circumstances as “impossible,” given the recent contradictory federal regulations.
The lawsuit arises in response to recent actions by the federal government, including Congressional approvals and presidential decisions that have invalidated the waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This waiver was integral in permitting the continuation of California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations. The Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA), which represents the truck manufacturers, had previously entered into an agreement known as the Clean Truck Partnership (CTP) in 2023. This agreement aimed to ensure compliance with the ACT while allowing alignment with EPA standards.
California officials have expressed that the federal actions to overturn the waivers are illegal, insisting that the manufacturers must comply with the CTP rules. In a related move, CARB has filed its own legal action against the federal government, contending that EPA waivers should not be subjected to the Congressional Review Act.
At the heart of the lawsuit is a letter sent by the Department of Justice on August 7, which instructed Daimler to stop complying with the CTP and California’s vehicle emissions regulations. The truck manufacturers have sought clarification from CARB regarding their obligations under the CTP, asserting that the CTP’s requirements have been rendered invalid due to federal preemption. Complicating matters, a Manufacturers Advisory Correspondence from CARB dated May 23 requires engine manufacturers to adhere to CARB’s standards in order to sell legally within California.
The stakes have been raised further by California Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order, which warned manufacturers of potential regulatory penalties for non-compliance with ACT mandates. Although CARB has introduced modifications to the ACT to enable greater flexibility, it still references the commitments established in the Clean Truck Partnership.
The lawsuit encapsulates the frustrations expressed by the EMA in regard to the requirements set forth by the ACT. The truck manufacturers contend that the conflicting regulations between state and federal entities create an untenable environment for compliance. As outlined in the lawsuit, California’s stance towards the disapproval of the Congressional waiver has been deemed “reckless” and continues to enforce the ACT alongside other mandates that complicate compliance.
With the associated Advanced Clean Fleets rule, previously mandating fleets to purchase a certain percentage of zero-emission vehicles being eliminated, the challenge of adhering to the ACT has intensified for manufacturers. They argue that immediate clarity on emissions laws and standards for the 2026 model year is critical for effective product planning.
Legal claims in the lawsuit assert that California’s actions violate the Clean Air Act’s preemption provisions and challenge the constitutionality of a CTP clause preventing manufacturers from contesting CARB’s actions. The truck manufacturers are seeking injunctive relief, which would prevent CARB from enforcing the ACT and related regulations.
While CARB has decided not to comment on the ongoing litigation, the Clean Freight Coalition has voiced its support for the truck manufacturers’ lawsuit against CARB, deeming it necessary. However, environmental critiques suggest that the manufacturers’ arguments fail to recognize the original intent of the Clean Truck Partnership, which was designed to facilitate compliance amid changing regulations.
This lawsuit is emblematic of the larger conflict between California’s ambitious climate policies and federal regulatory rollbacks, placing truck manufacturers in a complex and challenging situation. The outcomes of these legal skirmishes could have far-reaching implications for both state and federal environmental policies in the transportation sector.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- FreightWaves: Truck Manufacturers Lawsuit Against California
- Wikipedia: Clean Air Act
- Politico: California Truck Emission Rules
- Google Search: California emissions lawsuit
- San Francisco Chronicle: California Trucking Lawsuit
- Google Scholar: California trucking lawsuit
- Trucking Dive: OEMs Sue CARB
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation
- The Hill: Truck Makers Sue California
- Google News: Truck manufacturers lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
