Nation's first electric trucks standard updated, will put ~100,000 zero-emission trucks on the road by 2030
As evidence links air pollution from trucks and vulnerability to COVID-19, experts say updated rule is step in right direction, but health risks will remain high in “diesel death zones”
Sacramento, CA — Diverse groups from across the state respond to the Air Resources Board (CARB) release of an updated draft of the nation's first electric truck standard. The rule asks manufacturers to build zero-emission vehicles that would help strengthen public health in vulnerable communities. Statements from labor, environmental justice, scientific and climate stakeholders can be found below.
The stronger rule is a step in the right direction with achievable zero-emission vehicle targets for all truck classes. Highlights of the updated standard include:
By 2030, an estimated 100,000 zero-emission trucks could be on California’s roads as a result of this policy, and an estimated 300,000 in 2035.
First-year (2024) goals
5% of Class 2b-3 sales.
5% of Class 7-8 tractor (semi) sales.
9% of Class 4-8 straight truck sales.
By the end of 2024, the goal is to have roughly 4,000 zero-emission trucks on California’s roads.
2030 goals
30% of Class 2b-3 sales.
30% Class 7-8 tractor (semi) sales.
50% of Class 4-8 straight truck sales.
By 2035, this policy could result in roughly 17,000 zero-emission tractor (semi) trucks on California’s roads.
The updated draft rule comes as Californians continue into the second month of a shelter-in-place order to avoid exposure to the novel coronavirus, which has disproportionately affected people living in high pollution areas. Initial research finds evidence that long-term exposure to air pollution from sources like diesel engines increases coronavirus death rates.
This finding means that groups representing disadvantaged communities, which have made arguments for a stronger rule, will continue to fight for a measure that reflects the severity of their experiences. These communities are disproportionately exposed to pollution in “diesel death zones,” and need the strongest possible rule adopted later this summer. The vote is tentatively scheduled for a CARB hearing in June.
In contrast to groups working to protect their health by supporting a strong rule, truck manufacturers are taking advantage of the health crisis and lobbying leaders in Sacramento to stall adoption of the rule, which would not go into effect until 2024. Stalling regulations is a direct threat to the health of communities that experience chronic exposure to health harming pollution.
STATEMENTS
“CARB’s updated Advanced Clean Trucks rule is a big step toward cleaner air, new high-quality jobs and skilled electrical training opportunities. Now more than ever, IBEW members are ready to build California’s clean transportation future and we’re glad CARB is listening to communities from across the state,” said Jeremy Abrams, business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 569.
“During times of crisis it is important to be bold and demand the strongest measures necessary to protect working families,” said Andrea Vidaurre, Policy Analyst with the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ). “We believe CARB can take a stronger stance to protect the lungs of our frontline residents. Environmental justice communities across the state need the economic and health benefits that come from stimulating the zero-emission industry. Communities that endure pollution from ‘diesel death zones’ everyday need to be heard first and loudest.”
“CARB’s decision to nearly double the proposed rule is a big step in the right direction,” said Dr. Jimmy O’Dea, senior vehicles analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists. “If passed, it would be the most significant policy to-date for electric trucks in the United States, if not the world. This is good news for communities that breathe dirty air and for truck owners who want long-term savings on fuel and maintenance.”
“The Advanced Clean Trucks standard is a common-sense public health protection that will safeguard the respiratory systems of millions of Californians” said Paul Cort, staff attorney on Earthjustice’s Right to Zero campaign. “If passed, the standard will also support green jobs vital for our state’s economic future. It’s an important step toward a 100% zero-emissions future in California—and likely elsewhere too.”
"The updated proposal shows CARB is listening to the experts instead of special interests,” said Patricio Portillo, transportation analyst at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). “California continues to double-down on essential environmental regulations that grow jobs and safeguard public health, while protecting our climate and the air we breathe.”
“CARB's updated Advanced Clean Trucks rule will help make sure Californians have access to trucks that don't pollute. It will help deliver clean air and save lives," said Kathryn Phillips, director of Sierra Club California. "Truck manufacturers have the technology and know-how to make a diversity of zero-emission trucks. When they deliver more zero-emission trucks, toxic diesel pollution in communities near ports, freeways, freight rail yards and warehouse districts will drop. And the rule will spur the electric-truck market, creating more high-quality manufacturing jobs, including here in California."
“Converting dirty fleets to zero-emissions vehicles will undoubtedly improve the health of the 12 million Californians living in areas with exceedingly bad pollution levels. Any initiative that can substantially improve air quality and save nearly $5 billion for industry should be hailed as a victory,” said Lauren Navarro, Senior Manager at Environmental Defense Fund.
MEDIA CONTACT: Christina Heartquist, 408-661-2666, christina@sunstonestrategies.org