CARB, Truck Producers Reach Emissions Agreement

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) reached an accord with major truck and engine manufacturers on California’s plans to phase out diesel truck sales. 

Announced July 6, the Clean Truck Partnership states California will relax its current nitrogen oxide emissions standards to match the federal standard, as well as provide “no less than four years lead time and at least three years of regulatory stability before imposing new requirements.” 

On their side, the manufacturers committed to meeting CARB’s eventual zero-emission goal of banning diesel truck sales by 2045, even if that goal is challenged in court. 

“This agreement makes it clear that we have shared goals to tackle pollution and climate change and to ensure the success of the truck owners and operators who provide critical services to California’s economy,” stated Liane Randolph, CARB chair. 

The manufacturers involved in the agreement are Cummins, Daimler Truck North America, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Company, Hino Motors Limited, Isuzu Technical Center of America, Navistar, PACCAR, Stellantis N.V. and Volvo Group North America. The trade group Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association was also a signatory. 

In a scathing response, the American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear stated, “the trucking industry shouldn’t be strong armed by the government into an agreement with such terms.” 

“It is clear that America has lost its way when the government bullies the private sector to succumb to unachievable timelines, targets and technologies,” he concluded.