The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced updated commercial trucking fleet emissions requirements late last month following the approval of several amendments to the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule which mandates zero-emission vehicle adoption.
Key updates include a three-year delay in the requirement that 50% of new fleet purchases be zero-emission, and a new 2030 deadline for full ZEV adoption. Exemptions have also been expanded for public utilities and for small and more rural fleets, allowing combustion engine purchases when ZEVs aren't feasible.
CARB also repealed ACF requirements for federal and private fleets, including drayage trucks, to reduce regulatory confusion.
[Related: CARB proposes return to prior emission standards]
ACF amendments & utilities exemptions
The ACF regulation, originally adopted in 2023, is part of the Golden State's drive to cut pollution from medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, which make up only 6% of the state's vehicles but produce over 35% of its nitrogen oxide emissions, according to CARB data.
These amendments are due to take effect by January 2027, providing fleets another three years to ensure that 50% of their new vehicle purchases are zero-emission, as well as a new 2030 deadline for reaching 100% ZEV purchases.
CARB initially projected the rule would result in $26 billion in health savings by reducing hospital visits and respiratory illnesses, along with $48 billion in fleet operational savings by 2050.
However, CARB recently withdrew its Clean Air Act waiver request for the ACF regulation, citing the Trump administration's opposition to California setting its own greenhouse gas and ZEV standards. The board, now under the leadership of Lauren Sanchez, says it plans to pursue alternative strategies to reduce emissions from the trucking sector.
CARB has also broadened exemptions for public utilities operating specialized vehicles, allowing the purchase of combustion engine vehicles when no suitable ZEV alternatives are available, though what defines 'available,' in this case, remains unclear.
Importantly, these exemptions and flexibilities now apply to all public agencies, not just utilities.
"These updates ensure that our commitment to reducing emissions goes hand in hand with practical implementation for fleet operators," said now-former CARB Chair Liane Randolph. "Today’s approval keeps California on track to achieve the cleanest fleet in the nation while providing the tools needed for a smooth transition."
