As momentum builds to expand California’s aggressive zero-emission trucking policies to other parts of the country, New Jersey has taken the initial step in becoming the first state in America to announce plans to adopt California’s Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) and Heavy-Duty Omnibus rules.
California Set the Tone for Accelerating Green Transportation Throughout America
On June 25, the first-of-its-kind ACT rule was approved by CARB. This new regulation requires OEMs to sell an increasing number of electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Following that act, in July 15 states plus the District of Columbia made an agreement pledging they will work together to limit air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from commercial trucks.
The signatories are California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington and Vermont.
Now, New Jersey has moved ahead of the pack by adopting the ACT rule. The rule would start with the 2025 model year, and the number of trucks that fall under its jurisdiction would increase until 2035. Verbiage is also being drafted to adopt California’s Heavy-Duty Omnibus Rule in order to slash pollutants from new diesel truck sales. So while ACT intends to phase out sales of diesel trucks eventually, for now, new ones will have to adhere to stricter tailpipe emissions regulations.
The Biden administration is also expected to speed up the implementation of initiatives that promote a move toward zero-emissions commercial vehicles.
True Leaders Emerge in the Trucking Industry
The heavy-duty trucking industry is divided on emissions rules such as the electrification mandate. While many fleets are concerned about the expense and availability of electric big rigs, a growing number of logistics companies, cognizant of their customers’ sustainability goals, have endorsed the proposals.
This summer, 37 businesses and investors sent a statement of support to the states that had pledged to reduce trucking emissions. One of the signatories was Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express U.S., who said in the letter that DHL “understands the economic and health risks of climate change and transportation-related air pollution.”
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