Wyoming Joins Forces With 17 States Against California’s Electric Truck Mandate

DEBARYLIFE – Nebraska is leading a coalition of 17 states, including Wyoming, in a lawsuit against California for imposing ZEV regulations on trucking fleets.

Starting in January 2024, all new trucks that fleet operators purchase must be ZEVs. After 13 years of service, or after accruing more than 800,000 miles of mileage, or after reaching the age of 18, internal combustion engine (ICE) cars have to be retired.

In the lawsuit, it is claimed that the state rule transgresses the Commerce Clause of the Constitution.

Heavy-duty large trucks must have zero emissions by 2042 according to California’s Advanced Clean Fleets law.

On the other hand, “zero emissions” do not exist when considering the charging process for electric vehicles.

Over the state air resources board’s zero-emissions objective, California truckers filed a lawsuit.

Nevertheless, in 2035 the California Air Resources Board (CARB), a regulatory body, outlawed the sale of internal combustion light vehicles, such as cars, and in 2036 of larger trucks.

Though they are not a legislative body, CARB authored this law.

“The lawsuit argues that because California’s international ports serve as a major hub for the country’s imports, they could cause supply chain disruptions, slow down the flow of goods, and drive up prices.”

“California has the authority to control emissions, but the Congressional Commerce Clause prohibits the state from regulating the emissions of vehicles that are transported from one state to another.”

Through the Port of Los Angeles, 22% of all American exports and 37% of all imports pass through.

The litigation goes on to say that the substantial expenses incurred by Advanced Clean Fleets may drive some fleet firms out of the nation’s largest State or out of business, which will put pressure on the supply chain nationwide.

The court requires these states to provide evidence of their “standing.”

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It follows that they may demonstrate how the California law will negatively impact their states.

According to Wyoming and the other sixteen states, they have standing because of risks to their sovereign economic interests, harm to highways caused by larger battery-electric trucks, and a rise in the amount of electricity needed to charge these trucks.

A statement from Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said, “I’m suing California to stand up for Iowa truckers.”

“Truck drivers make up one in thirteen Iowans.”

We also help our truckers, unlike California.

My legal action aims to stop California’s unjustified electric-semi mandate, which is threatening to destroy the American trucking industry and result in job losses, supply chain disruptions, and harm to farmers.

Iowa drivers are not entitled to directives from California.

Claiming unconstitutionality under the Commerce Clause, the action asks for an injunction to be granted.

This summer, there ought to be a hearing.