Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024:
More groups challenge California’s ACF regulation
NTEA – The Work Truck Association and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) have filed suit against the California Air Resources Board (CARB), seeking immediate declaratory and injunctive relief to stop electric vehicle mandates CARB intends to implement through its Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulations.
This is just the latest in a string of lawsuits against CARB over the ACF rule. The California Trucking Association, AmFree Chamber and a number of states have also filed suit against CARB.
In announcing their filing Tuesday, the organizations contended CARB’s actions far exceed California’s constitutional and state statutory authority and will have a dire effect on an industry that historically has led the way toward cleaner, safer vehicles – particularly through alternative-fuel innovations, replacing older engine technologies with newer, cleaner versions, and converting older internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to new electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles.
CARB’s ACF regulation, if implemented, requires trucks in certain operations, such as drayage, or owned by larger fleets to be zero-emission on an accelerated timeline. It also sets a hard deadline on the manufacture and sale of diesel medium- and heavy-duty trucks in the state, eliminating diesels' sale there by 2036, just a dozen years from now. Vehicles covered by the regulation include everything from heavy-duty tractors with sleeper cabs to work trucks, pickup trucks, and light-duty package delivery vehicles.
[Related: California lawmakers ask Newsom to delay Advanced Clean Fleets rule]
This issue is currently under consideration by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), whose waiver is necessary for the state to proceed.
NTEA and SEMA are filing the lawsuit on behalf of their members who own and operate fleets of vehicles regulated by the ACF regulations, or manufacture, market, and sell specialty vehicles, trucks, and automotive aftermarket products that may become obsolete in California and other markets if CARB is allowed to proceed in decreeing an end to ICE vehicles.
In bringing this action, NTEA and SEMA seek a declaration and injunction, and any other appropriate relief, to redress injuries and prevent further unlawful actions by the defendants in issuing and enforcing the ACF regulations, the organizations said.
NTEA and SEMA said neither are anti-EV; rather, the organizations said they are steadfast in their shared belief that a technology-neutral environment is the best way to achieve lower vehicle emissions. By declaring one technology as the preferred solution of government, California is kneecapping other potential solutions, regardless of their promise for delivering the results the state seeks, they added.
[Related: Trucking groups, fleets urge EPA to deny waiver for CARB's diesel ban]
Calstart, New Jersey launch EV fleet advisor program
Calstart and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), on Tuesday announced the creation of the New Jersey Fleet Advisor Program, a free technical assistance program that helps medium- and heavy-duty fleets plan for electrification in support of sustainability goals.
During its first round, the program will provide free technical assistance to 15 New Jersey fleets interested in learning how to transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
The goal of the program is to help small fleets overcome challenges to electrification, such as bridging knowledge gaps about ZEVs, evaluating charging needs, securing incentives, and engaging with utilities, manufacturers, and permitting authorities. By working directly with fleets, the program hopes to spur ZEV adoption and achieve state climate and health goals.
Participation in the program is free and aims to help fleets navigate key decisions around transitioning to ZEVs.
“Calstart is thrilled to partner with NJDEP to bring personalized fleet assistance to small fleets in New Jersey,” said Jennifer Kritzler, Regional Deputy Director, Northeast, Calstart. “We truly believe that working one-on-one is the best way to meet fleets’ needs as they begin to think about what the zero-emission vehicle transition means for them.”
[Related: Calstart petitions to back EPA in lawsuits over latest heavy-truck regs]
Car IQ expands fuel payment service to Class 6-8 trucks
Fleet payment provider Car IQ Inc. announced Wednesday its new Fuel Acceptance Partnership with Love's Travel stops.
Marking their official expansion into over-the-road trucking, Car IQ now supports payments for both commercial and high-flow diesel fuel at all 580+ Love's travel stop locations across 42 states.
For the first time, Class 6-8 vehicles can use Car IQ to automatically unlock the pump and authorize a fuel transaction -- a payment experience that leverages the data within the vehicle and eliminates physical fuel cards, card skimming and cuts misuse, the company said.
Trucking customers get advanced control over their fuel spend while connecting to their My Love Rewards program. Digital receipts, which incorporate both vehicle and transaction data, are sent in real time, reducing the inefficiencies of card management and turning reconciliation into a simple process.
[Related: Fuel card provider launches free fuel discount app for owner-operators]
