DOJ targets California’s truck emission rules Image By EPN staff Key Points The DOJ is suing to block California’s truck emission standards, arguing they are preempted by federal law after EPA waivers were revoked. A ruling against California could undermine the authority of more than a dozen states (representing ~40% of the U.S. vehicle market) to set stricter emissions rules. Industry groups and truck makers oppose the standards, citing impractical timelines, lack of charging infrastructure, and impacts on freight efficiency. The U.S. Department of Justice has filed lawsuits against the California Air Resources Board (CARB), seeking to block the enforcement of the state’s stringent truck emission standards. These rules, implemented through a “Clean Truck Partnership” with manufacturers, aim to replace fuel-burning trucks with electricity-powered fleets in the coming decades. The DOJ argues the standards are preempted by federal law after the Clean Air Act waivers enabling them were revoked. Why it matters If the DOJ succeeds, it could curtail California’s long-held authority to set emissions rules stricter than federal benchmarks, an authority that extends to more than a dozen other states that follow California’s standards. Beyond California, the outcome of this case could affect national climate goals and clean transportation investments. States that have adopted California’s standards represent roughly 40% of the U.S. vehicle market, meaning a decision limiting their authority could reduce demand for zero-emission trucks nationwide. Industry groups have argued that the California’s standards, aimed at electrifying the fleets that traverse the state, are untenable. American Trucking Associations stated that, under CARB’s framework, “more trucks would be needed to move the same amount of freight, at a much slower rate, while in search of nonexistent charging locations.” The bigger picture This legal challenge highlights ongoing tension over state versus federal control of environmental policy: Federal preemption: The DOJ contends the Clean Air Act bars states from enforcing emissions standards unless they have EPA waivers, which were recently revoked. Environmental stakes: California’s ultra-low emission rules are central to its strategy for reducing air pollution and combating climate change. Industry response: Major truck makers, including Daimler and Volvo, have also initiated litigation to prevent enforcement of the standards, arguing they are now invalid. Political context: The DOJ’s strategy is part of broader federal efforts during the Trump administration to roll back state-level environmental regulations. Additional details The lawsuits were filed in federal district courts and include motions to intervene in related cases. The DOJ’s arguments hinge on the revocation of EPA waivers and a desire to preserve national regulatory consistency and consumer choice. CARB and state officials have not publicly commented on the litigation, which continues to unfold in the courts. SUGGESTED STORIES Citing costs, EPA moves to unwind Biden-era rules The Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed rescinding certain Biden-era regulations on emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants. The proposals, which aim to eliminate greenhouse gas standards under Clean Air Act Section 111 and repeal updates to the 2024 Mercury and Read more Colorado targets GHGs, tightens air quality standards The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission adopted new first-in-the-nation rules that required midstream oil and gas operators to start taking steps, effective Feb. 14, 2025, to lower greenhouse gas emissions in order to achieve industrial and manufacturing reductions targets by 2030. Read more Do Not Europe (or California) My AI The European Union consistently defaults to overregulation, and its approach to managing the AI world is no different. Worse, its energy policies exacerbate the challenges posed by overregulation. It is an ill-advised strategy, and one that unfortunately has found favor in California and t Read more
Citing costs, EPA moves to unwind Biden-era rules The Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed rescinding certain Biden-era regulations on emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants. The proposals, which aim to eliminate greenhouse gas standards under Clean Air Act Section 111 and repeal updates to the 2024 Mercury and Read more
Colorado targets GHGs, tightens air quality standards The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission adopted new first-in-the-nation rules that required midstream oil and gas operators to start taking steps, effective Feb. 14, 2025, to lower greenhouse gas emissions in order to achieve industrial and manufacturing reductions targets by 2030. Read more
Do Not Europe (or California) My AI The European Union consistently defaults to overregulation, and its approach to managing the AI world is no different. Worse, its energy policies exacerbate the challenges posed by overregulation. It is an ill-advised strategy, and one that unfortunately has found favor in California and t Read more
