CA Zero Emission Truck & Bus Transition
California is working to transition to a zero-emission fleet of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs) by 2045. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is developing a regulation that would require manufacturers to sell only zero-emission MHDVs starting in 2036. State and local government fleets, as well as drayage fleets, would be required to transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2035, 2039, and 2042, respectively.
The regulation is part of CARB’s overall approach to accelerate a large-scale transition to zero-emission MHDVs. The regulation works in conjunction with the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation, approved March 2021, which helps ensure that zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) are brought to market.
Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are a major source of air pollution in California, and they also contribute significantly to climate change. The ACF regulation will help to reduce these emissions and improve air quality and public health in California.
The regulation is expected to have a significant impact on the MHDV market in California. The regulation is expected to create demand for new ZEV technologies, and it is also expected to lead to job growth in the ZEV manufacturing and service sectors.
The ACF regulation is currently being reviewed by the public. CARB is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the regulation on June 14, 2023. The public comment period will close on July 15, 2023.
The ACF regulation is a significant step forward in California’s efforts to reduce air pollution and combat climate change. Fleet owners in California can play a key role in the transition to a zero-emission future by planning for the transition and taking advantage of the available resources.
Here are some of the benefits of transitioning to zero-emission MHDVs:
- Improved air quality and public health
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- Increased fuel efficiency
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Increased job growth in the ZEV manufacturing and service sectors
Fleet owners can start preparing for the transition to zero-emission MHDVs by taking the following steps:
- Evaluate their current fleets and identify the best ZEV technologies for their needs.
- Develop a plan for purchasing and deploying ZEVs.
- Consider working with a ZEV consultant or fleet management company.
- Take advantage of state and federal incentives.
Truck Accident Lawyers & ZEVs for Commercial Transport
Regardless of the type of vehicle – there will always be a need for lawyers that specialize in California truck accident related matters. ZEVs will, rather obviously still pose a set of risks similar to their formerly diesel-powered ancestors. ZEVs used for commercial transport could reveal an entirely new set of risks and legal challenges.
As Truck Law explains, a ban on diesel trucks would not reduce the need for California truck accident lawyers for a number of reasons.
- There would still be a large number of older diesel trucks on the road.
- There would still be a need for lawyers to represent victims of accidents involving other types of trucks.
- A ban would not address the root causes of truck accidents.
- A ban would likely lead to an increase in the cost of shipping goods, which could lead to job losses and more reckless driving.
In conclusion, a ban on diesel trucks would not reduce the need for California truck accident lawyers. It could even lead to an increase in the demand for these lawyers.