Lawsuit aimed at manufacturers like Volvo, Paccar, alleges plot to force EV transition

Nebraska’s Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against multiple commercial vehicle manufacturers for an alleged plot to force consumers into transitioning to electric trucks. 

The suit, brought forth by Attorney General Hilgers, states that multiple heavy-duty truck manufacturers signed the “Clean Truck Partnership” as part of a scheme to raise their own prices and reduce available inventory. The lawsuit names Daimler, Navistar, Paccar, Volvo, and the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, reported Central Nebraska Today.

“Eliminating diesel-powered semi-trucks is practically impossible to accomplish and would impose enormous costs on Nebraska and Nebraska companies. That is why Nebraska sued California officials from issuing an anti-democratic regulation to eliminate diesel-powered semis in their state,” Hilgers said.  

“Unfortunately, these heavy-duty truck manufacturers, who dominate the market in Nebraska, have agreed to go along with California’s edict—even if Nebraska is successful in overturning the regulation. These manufacturers’ collusion will raise prices, reduce output, increase costs on Nebraskans, and is a classic antitrust violation.”

“The logistics industry is a foundational piece of Nebraska’s economy—from employing thousands of Nebraskans to ensuring that Nebraska’s agriculture and liquid fuel products can get to purchasers around the country and world. Whether it is California or collusive corporations, I will continue to fight misguided and anti-democratic policies that threaten to devastate Nebraska’s trucking and biofuel industries, raise prices for consumers, and impact jobs across Nebraska and the country.”

The Energy Marketers of America and Renewable Fuels Nebraska have joined the lawsuit as co-plaintiffs. Hilgers was at the head of an effort to block California’s Advanced Clean Fleets regulation earlier this year.