California, a state that has been at the forefront of battling vehicle emissions for over 60 years, is now turning its attention to big commercial trucks. Last year, the state decreed that all new cars must emit no tailpipe nasties by 2035. And now, the Biden administration is helping California pull the trigger on tough regulations for big trucks and other heavyweight industrial vehicles. On Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it was granting California the authority to come down hard on these vehicles.
Under the new plan, just over half of all new delivery vans and small trucks, 75 percent of buses and big trucks, and 40 percent of semi-trucks would have to be battery-powered by the middle of the next decade. This is a huge deal since most of these vehicles currently run on diesel fuel. Making them switch to electric power would significantly reduce emissions, as diesel-powered commercial vehicles produce far more emissions than an efficient gasoline-engined sedan or crossover.
California had to wait for a green light from the EPA before pressing ahead with the new truck legislation since its stringent standards far exceeded federal requirements laid down by the government. However, the ruling will have ramifications across the U.S. and not only in California. Just as other states have followed California’s lead with passenger car legislation, introducing similar 2035 bans on sales of new combustion-powered cars, pickups, and SUVs, they are now echoing the truck legislation.
Not everyone is enthusiastic about the potential demise of diesel, and it’s not just diesel refineries worried about collapsing demand. The Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, which represents America’s biggest truck makers, acknowledged California’s right to set its own limits but raised concerns about the limited lead time and availability of sufficient charging points. Multiple states have already joined forces to legally oppose California’s ability to set emissions standards that go beyond federal requirements.
It’s clear that the transition to electric-powered commercial vehicles will not be an easy one, and there are still many challenges to overcome. However, the push towards zero-emissions vehicles is a step in the right direction towards a more sustainable future. By setting ambitious targets and pushing for change, California is leading the way towards a cleaner, greener future for all.
