A Pennsylvania Congressmen introduced two Congressional Review Act resolutions into the U.S. House of Representatives this week that would revoke California's Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule and Low NOx Omnibus regulations and the trucking industry is on board.
Introduced by John Joyce (R-Pa.) H.J.Res.87 and H.J.Res.89 would revoke the waivers provided to California for both rules. Other supporters of the resolutions were John James (R-Mich.), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.), and Lisa McClain (R-Mich.). The introduction of the resolutions came just a day after ATA President and CEO Chris Spear's letter to Congress requesting legislators eliminate California's autonomy and enable the EPA to develop realistic, technology-neutral federal emissions standards.
ATA was expectedly supportive of the resolutions.
“The trucking industry commends our congressional champions for introducing these resolutions, which would take the regulatory keys away from unelected CARB bureaucrats whose mad dash to zero poses a grave threat to the supply chain and our economy,” says Spear. “The patchwork of unachievable EV mandates enabled by EPA’s waivers to California threatened to significantly raise costs for American consumers without delivering the promised environmental benefits.
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“Thanks to the leadership of these lawmakers, Congress can restore EPA’s authority to set commonsense, achievable national standards that promote innovation and put us back on the path to lowering emissions while accounting for the operational realities of our essential industry. We look forward to working with members of Congress in both chambers to pass these resolutions expeditiously and send them to President Trump’s desk where they can be signed into law.”
Under the Congressional Review Act, both resolutions require only a simple majority vote to be revoked.
The American Truck Dealers (ATD) also spoke out in support of the resolutions. ATD dealers have been particularly hampered by the two regulations due to the limitations they put on truck dealers to sell new equipment in California and other opt-in states.
"The standards set forth in these two regulations have already significantly impacted truck dealers’ ability to sell trucks in the state, with California dealerships experiencing a reduction in year-over-year sales by over 50%," ATD wrote in a statement.
ATD states the rules have created much higher prices, while limited charging and alternative fueling locations and reduced operational performance have contributed to very limited adoption of zero-emission technology in the heavy-duty truck sector.
"California’s unrealistic regulatory agenda is driving fleets to keep older trucks on the road longer, setting up family-owned dealerships for failure, and increasing the cost of transportation. If these regulations aren’t stopped, American consumers will pay the price," the organization stated. "ATD supports one national standard for heavy-duty truck emissions with realistic timelines and requirements that can deliver innovative and cost-effective emissions solutions. The CRAs are an important step in that direction, and ATD supports their passage."
Joyce also submitted a resolution to revoke California's waiver for its Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) rule, which would ban the sale of gas-powered and hybrid vehicles in the automotive sector. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) supports that resolution as well.
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"Allowing the California Zero Emission Vehicle mandate to go into effect later this year will drastically curtail the availability of gas-powered and hybrid vehicles, leave millions of consumers far fewer vehicle choices, and force consumers everywhere to pay more for new and used vehicles. America’s franchised dealers commend Rep. John Joyce for his leadership introducing legislation to stop California and other states’ ban on gas-powered and hybrid vehicles. Rep. Joyce’s legislation will help America’s working families buy the vehicle that meets their budget and needs."
On April 8 similar resolutions were introduced into the Senate. The ATD applauded that action as well.
“Last year, California began the process of restricting and then banning new clean diesel trucks by way of these misguided regulations. This year, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Washington joined California in mandating the sale of zero-emission trucks. Broad adoption of zero-emission technology is currently unrealistic due to high vehicle costs and the lack of charging infrastructure. These unachievable standards have real consequences, as California truck dealers have experienced a decrease in year-over-year sales by more than 50 percent," ATD stated.
"America’s truck dealers urge Congress to stop California’s ban on diesel trucks by passing these joint resolutions and establishing one national standard for heavy duty truck emissions with realistic timelines and requirements. The CRAs are an important step in that direction, and ATD supports their passage."
