California officially outlaws the sale of ‘dirty’ diesel trucks starting in 2036

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved sweeping changes today that will force trucking fleets to transition to from diesel-powered trucks to electric vehicles.

On April 28, CARB approved the “Advanced Clean Fleets” rule, which will ban the sale of medium and heavy-duty diesel trucks in California by 2036. The rule also requires that all trucks operating in California be zero-emission by 2042.

Officials say that the transition away from “dirty” diesel trucks will generate $26.6 billion in health savings, and fleet owners will save an estimated $48 billion from the transition to electric vehicles.

“The future happens here first, and California is once again showing the world what real climate action looks like. Last year, our state approved one of the world’s first regulations requiring all new car sales to be zero emissions. Now, with these actions requiring all new heavy-duty truck sales to be zero emission and tackling train pollution in our state, we’re one step closer to achieving healthier neighborhoods and cleaner air for all Californians,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Newsom says that the “Advanced Clean Fleets” rule will work in tandem with the California’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule approved last month by the Biden Administration that requires truck manufacturers to accelerate sales of electric-powered vehicles.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) issued a sharp response to the news of CARB’s approval of the Advanced Clean Fleets rule, arguing that it is “unrealistic” and “unachievable.”

From ATA President and CEO Chris Spear:

“Today, an unelected Board in California voted to force trucking companies to buy zero-emission trucks. Fleets are just beginning to understand what it takes to successfully operate these trucks, but what they have learned so far is they are significantly more expensive, charging and refueling infrastructure is nonexistent, and ZEVs are not necessarily a one-for-one replacement—meaning more trucks will be needed on California roads to move the same amount of freight. 

California is setting unrealistic targets and unachievable timelines that will undoubtedly lead to higher prices for the goods and services delivered to the state and fewer options for consumers. As it becomes clear that California’s rhetoric is not being matched by technology, we hope the Board will reverse course and allow trucking companies the freedom to choose the clean technologies that work best for their operations. 

ATA-member companies work tirelessly to deliver the nation’s freight while deploying the cleanest technologies available. Over the past 35 years, those efforts have produced a 98% reduction in truck emissions. We continue to say ‘Yes’ to advancing cleaner technologies, but achievable targets and realistic timelines matter.”