Daimler Truck, Volvo, Paccar and International Motors have filed a lawsuit against the state of California, challenging the strict emissions regulations that they say conflict with federal standards and hinder production planning.
The move coincides with the dissolution of the Clean Truck Partnership, a coalition formed in 2023 to comply with California’s tighter vehicle standards.
The lawsuit, submitted to a federal court in Sacramento on Monday, comes after President Donald Trump revoked California’s exemption for stricter emissions rules in June. The manufacturers said they are now “caught in the crossfire” between state and federal authorities, creating regulatory uncertainty.
The Clean Truck Partnership, which included nine truck manufacturers along with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Engine Manufacturers Association, was designed to provide planning security while meeting the state’s environmental targets. That cooperation has now ended as the companies pursue legal action against California.
Industry observers describe the lawsuit as “a dramatic change in strategy,” highlighting the shift from collaboration with CARB to confrontation. The quartet is directly challenging the California Air Resources Board and Governor Gavin Newsom, arguing that conflicting rules impede reliable production planning.
It remains unclear how other former alliance members, including Cummins, Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, will respond to the legal challenge.
Source: ftc.gov, politico.com, reuters.com
