A denial of pending waivers days before President Trump enters office has resulted in California dropping the ACF rule. On January 13th, the California Air Resource Board (CARB) notified the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to withdraw the regulation. The Advanced Clean Fleets Rule (ACF) was a law introduced by CARB aiming to transition commercial trucks to zero-emission vehicles. In particular, the ACF rule would have given guidelines and deadlines to make medium and heavy-duty carriers zero-emission. Some of the requirements included:
- Ending the sale of diesel trucks by 2036.
- Transitioning existing drayage trucks to zero-emission by 2035.
- California state and government fleets must buy only zero-emission vehicles by 2027.
- All heavy-duty vehicle sales in California must be fully zero-emission by 2045.
According to CARB, the ACF will give $26.5 billion in statewide health benefits by 2050.
Why Is California Dropping the ACF Rule?
The reason why CARB withdrew the request is due to the incoming Trump Administration. In a speech in July 2024, Trump promised to combat emissions regulations and end electric vehicle mandates. CARB Chair Liane Randolph noted, “The withdrawal is an important step given the uncertainty presented by the incoming administration that previously attacked California’s programs to protect public health and the climate.” States that follow California’s emission standards, like Washington and New York, could be affected by the withdrawal. The waiver does not impact state and local government fleets since their ACF requirements became effective January 1st, 2024.
Despite ACF’s goal to promote cleaner air, most of the trucking industry was against the regulation. American Trucking Association (ATA) President Chris Spear sees the rule’s removal as a sign of relief for the trucking industry and American customers. Chris stated, “This unachievable mandate would have raised costs and caused disruption throughout our supply chain.” Along with believing the emission standards are impossible, the ATA sees it as a job-killing regulation. Another issue is that the cost of switching entire fleets to zero-emission can be significant and fall to the customer. CARB will continue to re-examine its approach to improving air quality as the Trump administration enters office.
Why Did CARB Want To Enforce The ACF Rule?
CARB’s purpose behind introducing the ACF rule was to improve air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The rule was part of California’s strategy of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. On a broader scale, the U.S. plans to have net-zero emissions by 2050. Each state is assessing and passing its regulations for zero emissions for various industries, including domestic transport. Transportation stakeholders in California and the U.S. closely monitor the waiver withdrawal’s impact. The decision could have more significant implications, including impacting the goal of zero-emission vehicles across the U.S.
While the goal of net-zero emissions is decades away, shippers still have to move cargo domestically. The shipper must take the appropriate steps to avoid disruptions. An ideal way to get started is by contacting a freight broker. Brokers are the intermediaries between the shipper and carrier and coordinate cargo movement domestically. They also provide various other services, such as finding quotes, arranging pickups, and educating customers. A1 Freight Solutions has brokers and numerous solutions to ensure your shipment’s success. Speak to our freight brokers at 786-375-9420 or info@a1fsinc.com to begin shipping anywhere in the U.S.