Trucking news and briefs for Friday, April 4, 2025:
Congress introduces resolutions to roll back California emissions standards
Three Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions introduced this week in the U.S. House take aim at waivers granted by the Environmental Protection Agency that cleared the way for California’s stricter emissions regulations to take effect.
The three targeted California regulations are the Advanced Clean Cars II rule, which applies to light-duty cars and pickup trucks, and the trucking-related Omnibus Low-NOx rule and Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule.
The EPA in February sent the three rules to Congress for review. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin at the time said the Biden administration "failed to send rules" on the Clean Air Act waivers to Congress, “preventing members of Congress from deciding on extremely consequential actions that have massive impacts and costs across the entire United States. The Trump EPA is transparently correcting this wrong and rightly following the rule of law.”
[Related: Trump's EPA sends CARB waivers to Congress for review]
Rep. John James (R-Michigan) introduced the CRA resolution that, if passed, would repeal the waiver for the Advanced Clean Trucks rule. A press release from James says the waiver “allows California to ram its comply-or-die ‘zero-emission truck’ rule down the throat of America -- essentially killing Michigan’s trucking industry.” The ACT rule requires truck manufacturers to increase zero-emission new truck sales to 55% (Class 2b-3), 75% (Class 4-8), and 40% of semi-tractor sales by 2035.
Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-California) introduced the CRA that would roll back the Omnibus Low-NOx rule, which slashed NOx and particulate matter (PM) emissions standards and included new requirements for test procedures, regulatory useful life, and emissions warranties.
“As a representative of California, I’ve seen firsthand how burdensome regulations from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have hurt businesses and hardworking Americans by imposing costly mandates instead of allowing the market to drive innovation,” Obernolte said. “Congress must exercise its oversight authority to ensure these policies do not become the national standard. It is critical we protect jobs, supply chains, and the ability of consumers to choose what is best for them and their families.”
If passed and signed by President Donald Trump, the rules would be repealed, and the EPA would be barred from reissuing the rules in substantially the same form.
The CRAs are just the latest attempts to roll back CARB’s EPA waivers. Bills have been introduced to revoke recently-issued waivers and remove California’s Clean Air Act waiver exemption. The EPA has also signaled its intent to reconsider the Clean Trucks Plan, a set of regulations issued by the EPA during the Biden Administration aimed at reducing pollution from heavy-duty vehicles.
[Related: More legislation takes aim at CARB emissions regs]
Mack accepting entries for annual calendar contest
The Mack Trucks Calendar Contest is once again on the hunt for the most impressive Mack trucks to be featured in the company’s 2026 calendar.
Twelve striking Bulldogs will grace next year’s publication, with each winner receiving a professional photo shoot courtesy of Mack Trucks.
The contest continues the tradition of showcasing the best Mack trucks in operation across North America, with voting categories aligned with Mack’s truck models: Mack Anthem, Granite, Pinnacle, TerraPro, LR, LR Electric, MD and MD Electric, plus a legacy category for models no longer in production but still in revenue operation.
“We received a record 432,000 votes for the 2025 contest, which demonstrated the incredible passion of the Mack community,” said David Galbraith, Mack Trucks vice president, global brand and marketing. “The 2026 calendar will continue our celebration of Mack’s remarkable heritage and the hardworking customers who keep our trucks on the road.”
The contest is open to trucks in revenue operation -- vehicles currently working in fleets and not collector or antique vehicles. The entry period runs through April 30, with voting open April 1-30. Voters are allowed to vote once daily for their choice in each category here.
Those who submit a video entry along with their truck photo will receive an additional 125 votes. The company will also post Bonus Vote Days on Mack's social media channels, when daily votes could count for double or triple. Share your entry on social using #MackCalendarContest to maximize your chances of winning, Mack noted.
All entries are eligible to be promoted to Mack's 900,000+ followers across its social channels.
Winners will be contacted by phone or email by mid-May and will be announced on Mack Trucks social media channels by May 30. Mack Trucks will schedule a professional photo shoot for each winning entry for the calendar. The 2026 Mack calendar will be available later this year on mackshop.com.
[Related: Mack Trucks through the years: Which model's your favorite?]
New Love’s opens in Ohio
Love’s Travel Stops is expanding its network in southeastern Ohio with the addition of a new travel stop in St. Clairsville. This store is the company’s fourth travel stop to open in 2025, and is located off I-70 at Exit 208.
With the opening of the St. Clairsville travel stop, professional truck drivers now have access to 121 additional truck parking spaces, laundry, showers, a CAT scale and more.
The new location also includes the company’s newest Speedco location.
The store includes a Love’s Fresh Kitchen concept with fresh food items prepared daily, along with Godfather’s Pizza and Hardee’s restaurants.
