Josh Chetwynd
Former Director, Destination: Zero Carbon, Environment America
Environment America
Fifteen states announced today a first-of-its-kind agreement for zero-emission trucks. These plans follow California’s leadership. In late June, the California Air Resources Board approved the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule, which requires every new truck sold in California be zero-emission by 2045.
The memorandum of understanding between the states sets targets for achieving full electrification of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by 2050, including big rigs, school and transit buses, and delivery trucks. They also set an interim sales target of 30 percent zero-emission trucks by 2030 for truck manufacturers.
Morgan Folger, Clean Cars Campaign director for Environment America, issued the following statement:
“No package delivered by a diesel truck is worth dirty air, asthma and climate change. It’s time to shift past the old ways of thinking and move toward a clean environment with trucks that don’t pollute. Clean electric trucks can clear the air and help stave off the worst impacts of climate change. That’s the delivery we are all waiting for. This plan will play a major role in realizing that goal. We applaud the states involved for charting a path for zero-emission electric trucks to clean up our roads.”
Matt Casale, Transportation Campaign director for U.S. PIRG, issued the following statement:
“Getting to school or commuting to work shouldn’t include a daily dose of toxic pollution or increase the chances that people will get sick. These states’ commitment to 100 percent zero-emission school and transit buses, along with other heavy- and medium-duty trucks, will help slash lung-damaging pollution and save lives. The sooner we get more electric buses and trucks on the road, the healthier our kids and communities will be.”