The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has strict tailpipe emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles, which is the subject of the lawsuit the States filed in the D.C. Circuit.
These standards effectively compel manufacturers to prioritize the production of electric trucks over internal-combustion trucks. The lawsuit argues that the current availability of electric trucks and the necessary infrastructure to support them is extremely limited. Additionally, electric trucks have shorter ranges and require longer stops compared to their internal-combustion counterparts.
Despite these challenges, the EPA’s rule mandates a reduction in the production of vehicles using traditional internal-combustion technology.
The coalition has filed a lawsuit against California, contesting a set of regulations known as Advanced Clean Fleets. These regulations mandate that trucking fleet owners and operators retire their internal-combustion trucks and switch to more expensive and less efficient electric trucks.
The rule applies not only to fleets based in California, but also to those operating within the state, regardless of their headquarters’ location. As California has a substantial population and serves as a hub for international trade through its ports, this regulation will have far-reaching consequences for the entire supply chain across the country.
“Setting unattainable mandates for electric trucks puts our local trucking industry and Alabama consumers at a disadvantage,” expressed Mark Colson, President and CEO of the Alabama Trucking Association. He further added, “The lack of charging infrastructure, high costs associated with unproven trucks, and their operational limitations make them incompatible with our modern supply chain.
Ultimately, all Americans will bear the consequences. Instead of imposing unrealistic targets and deadlines, we should adopt policies that encourage innovation and embrace a comprehensive approach to reducing emissions. Attorney General Marshall’s efforts to challenge these misguided and ill-informed government interventions, which only deplete the pockets of Alabamians, are commendable.”
Both lawsuits assert that the Biden Administration and California regulators have overstepped their constitutional and statutory boundaries by attempting to compel the entire nation to switch to electric trucks. Furthermore, both regulations go against practicality.
Electric trucks are less efficient, less dependable, and more costly. The regulations in question will have a negative impact on all Americans by escalating the expenses of interstate transportation, driving up prices for essential commodities, and placing an additional strain on the electric power grid.
