Four Truck Giants Sue California Over Clean Truck Partnership
Four major truck manufacturers - Volvo, Daimler, Paccar, and International Motors - have filed a lawsuit against the United States state of California. The suit targets the enforcement of the Clean Truck Partnership, a 2023 initiative aimed at supporting California's emissions reduction goals while providing industry flexibility.
The manufacturers argue that the revocation of waivers granted during the Biden administration has left them 'caught in the crossfire'. They contend that the regulatory uncertainty caused by the EPA's rescission of approval for California's emissions plan is causing 'irreparable harm' to their production planning.
The lawsuit comes amidst broader efforts by the Trump administration to limit California's authority under the federal Clean Air Act. The companies aim to prevent the enforcement of stringent emissions standards set by the state, which is actively promoting electric vehicle adoption through incentive programs like the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). Governor Gavin Newsom supports these efforts, endorsing initiatives to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in California. Meanwhile, the EPA has proposed to repeal regulations addressing motor vehicles' contributions to climate change, citing a reinstatement of consumer choice and potential reduced living costs.
The lawsuit, which names the California Air Resources Board and Governor Gavin Newsom as defendants, seeks to challenge California's authority to set pollution limits that exceed federal standards. The truck manufacturers argue that the regulatory uncertainty is harming their business, while the state maintains its commitment to environmental regulations and climate goals.
