Washington Trucking Industry Pushes Back on Jan. 1 Gas Truck Sales Limits
The Washington trucking industry is urging Governor Jay Inslee to delay a regulation set to take effect on January 1 that aligns the state with California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule. This rule mandates a gradual increase in the sale of zero-emission trucks in Washington.
Washington’s commitment to adopt California’s stringent emissions standards dates back to 2020. However, the situation became more pressing after California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) revised its ACT standards on October 23, requiring manufacturers to increase their zero-emission vehicle sales, with targets ranging from 4% to 7%.
Critics, including industry representatives like Call, argue that the heavy freight sector is not ready for this transition. They point to significant challenges, such as extended charging times, reduced payload capacity due to heavier electric trucks, and the lack of public electric charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles.
“The only viable option now is to pause implementation,” said Call. “Other states are discussing delays of at least two years, but the same fundamental problems will remain without a commitment to develop charging infrastructure for the commercial trucking industry.”