Montgomery, AL – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has joined a 24-state coalition urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reject California’s request for a waiver to implement its “Advanced Clean Fleets” regulation. This new rule seeks to impose a mandate on fleet owners, operators, and manufacturers, requiring electric trucks for businesses that operate within the state—even those that only work in California for as little as one day per year. The coalition argues that such a mandate would have widespread repercussions for the national logistics and transportation industries.
Attorney General Marshall voiced concerns about the economic impact of the regulation, stating, “As businesses flee California, the state is now trying to extend its reach beyond its borders and force companies across the nation to comply with its electric vehicle mandates. These policies are out of touch with consumers and companies, who will face direct and disastrous costs that will impact the economy nationwide.” He emphasized the high cost of electric trucks, which can exceed $400,000, as well as the expenses related to installing charging stations and maintaining the vehicles, making it difficult for small businesses to comply.
Under the Clean Air Act, only the federal government is authorized to set vehicle emissions standards. California has requested an EPA waiver to enforce its Advanced Clean Fleets rule, and the EPA is currently accepting public comments on the matter. The coalition of states contends that granting this waiver would be unconstitutional, as it would effectively allow California to regulate motor vehicles in ways that other states cannot. The letter also argues that federal law does not permit California or the EPA to ban internal combustion engine vehicles altogether.
The potential impact of this mandate on the national supply chain is a key concern for the coalition, given California’s large population and role as a major hub for international trade. If the regulation is allowed, it could disrupt the logistics industry and lead to increased costs for businesses and consumers across the country.
In addition to filing the comment with the EPA, Alabama has joined a multi-state lawsuit, led by Nebraska, to block California’s regulation. The case is currently being litigated in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.
Attorneys general from Nebraska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming have also signed onto the letter opposing the waiver request.
