A vote from House representatives has resulted in President Trump revoking EPA waivers for California trucking. On April 30, two emission-related trucking waivers granted by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) were revoked by the House. The first one was a House vote of 231-191 to revoke the ACT (Advanced Clean Trucks) rule. This rule would have given a timeline for the mandatory purchase of ZEVs (zero-emission vehicles). By 2035 all heavy-duty vehicles sold by makers would have been fully zero-emission. The second one was a House vote to revoke the Low NoX Omnibus rule. Also known as the Omnibus regulation by the state, this rule would have tightly regulated Nitrogen oxide emissions from heavy-duty carriers.
Why Are House Representatives Revoking California EPA Waivers for Truckers?
The Biden administration originally approved these rules, aiming to cut truck pollution and emissions. Using the Congressional Review Act, the Trump administration was able to nix the approval and revoke the waivers. The House representatives revoked the rules for various reasons, including economic concerns. A significant concern is that the new rules would increase costs for truckers and logistics companies. They would have especially hurt smaller carrier companies that are unable to keep up with the costs. Disruptions in supply chains from the transition to EV requirements could have resulted in fleets leaving California. Another concern of House representatives is that the EPA’s proposed waivers will result in California enforcing its own environmental rules.
If California begins enforcing regulations related to mandating EVs earlier than other states, this can disrupt interstate commerce. Some representatives believe that the transition to zero-emission vehicles is not possible nationally. This is especially true for rural locations with limited funding support for equipment like charging stations. The next step in the process is for the House to send its measures on California’s waivers to the Senate. If the Senate approves the revocation, it could result in a sizeable court battle between the federal government and California.
What Can Trump Revoking EPA Waivers Mean For Domestic Shipping
In terms of volume, California is the second-largest state for trucking in the U.S. Due to its size, revoking the EPA waivers could significantly impact the industry. There have been both positive and negative responses by shippers, carrier companies, and other players. American Trucking Association’s president Chris Spear praised the revocation, noting that it will “undo damaging emissions regulations set by California and prevent the Golden State from setting de facto national emissions policies in the future.” Various carrier companies were in favor of the decision, with the timeline for transitioning to EVs being costly and unreachable. Many in the industry believe that a more attainable timeline should be set by the EPA.
Despite the transition to fully zero-emission transport being many years away, shippers still require the movement of cargo domestically. To prevent delays and disruptions when shipping, it can be beneficial to contact a freight broker when starting. Freight brokers are the middleman between the shipper and the carrier and coordinate cargo movement domestically. They do this by being in contact with a network of carriers prepared to move your goods. Brokers also offer other solutions, like providing documentation, finding rates, and consultation with the shipper to ensure a successful shipment. Reach A1 Freight Solutions at info@a1wwl.com or 786-375-9420 to begin moving your goods anywhere in the U.S.