Trump Administration Halts California’s Emissions Standards for Trucks
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is challenging California’s attempt to implement a costly emissions standard for trucks that, according to officials, could effectively nationalize Governor Gavin Newsom’s green energy initiatives.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it had disapproved California’s heavy-duty inspection and maintenance regulations for over 50,000 trucks entering the state, based on state data.
“If California has its way, prices will increase for truckers and businesses nationwide,” commented EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “Affordable trucks are crucial for maintaining the flow of food and goods, which helps keep family expenses down.”
The disapproval will allow the Newsom administration to continue enforcing its regulations on large trucks registered within California, which the state defines as non-gasoline vehicles weighing more than 14,000 pounds.
Back in 2019, Governor Newsom signed a law instructing the California Air Resources Board to initiate a program aimed at reducing emissions from large trucks.
As a consequence of this, Newsom claimed the board voted to make California “the first in the world to mandate zero-emission trucks by 2045.” This was celebrated in a post on X in 2020.
Newsom has also criticized trucks for contributing to “nearly a third of harmful air pollutants” and has urged for “bold actions” to address the issue.
He stated, “California will once again take the lead in eliminating diesel-powered trucks,” as noted in a March 2023 post on X, which underlined the harmful impact of emissions on both California and the climate. “Trucks shouldn’t give children asthma or exacerbate wildfires.”
However, EPA officials argue that these proposed measures would violate the U.S. Constitution’s Commerce Clause, rendering them illegal by attempting to interfere with interstate and international commerce.
Consequently, the EPA asserted that the emissions regulations improperly leverage the Clean Air Act of 1970, which mandates that states ensure their regulations comply with federal law.
This regulation is part of California’s state implementation plan, which was reviewed by the EPA to ensure it meets federal air quality standards.
“The Trump EPA will remain firm in holding California accountable and in preventing unnecessary regulations from affecting the entire country,” Zeldin remarked. “Americans did not elect California’s policies to be imposed nationwide; they chose President Trump’s policies that prioritize working families.”
Zeldin’s remarks follow a 30-day public comment period and a recent dispute with California regarding interstate commerce.
In 2023, pork producers attempted to challenge California’s animal cruelty law requiring more space for pigs, but the U.S. Supreme Court rejected their claims.
Five justices, led by Neil Gorsuch, ruled that the law—approved by voters in 2018—would not hinder pork sellers from outside the state.
The Biden administration is also opposing Proposition 12 on constitutional grounds, arguing that it significantly disrupts U.S. pork production and necessitates substantial changes to the way pork is raised and distributed.
Producers have estimated that compliance could cost the industry between $290 million and $350 million.
The total cost of California’s complete trucking regulations remains uncertain.
Representatives for Governor Newsom did not provide comments upon request.
