CARB Delays Public Fleet Zero-Emission Vehicle Targets

SECAUCUS, NJ (DTN) – The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced amendments to clean fleet regulations. The changes would delay zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates for public fleets amid industry pressure for more time to resolve hurdles in electrifying heavy-duty trucks.

CARB said Thursday (9/25) that it is delaying the 50% ZEV purchase requirement by three years and the 100% ZEV purchase requirement until 2030. 

The board is also extending the exemption for small fleets and those in designated low-population counties until 2030, and ensuring that compliance flexibilities apply to all government agencies.

The changes, which will become effective before January 2027, represent a course correction for the state’s ambitious clean-fleet program. 

CARB’s move follows its withdrawal of a federal waiver request for the ACF rules and a settlement in a lawsuit that challenged its authority to enforce them.

In an effort to resolve ongoing regulatory uncertainty, the board also voted to repeal the portions of the ACF regulation that applied to federal and private fleets, including requirements for drayage trucks. 

This effectively eliminates the legal and operational limbo that has plagued the trucking industry since the rules were adopted in 2023.

CARB Chair Liane Randolph underscored that the amendments will keep California on a path toward a cleaner fleet while ensuring a more practical implementation.

While trucks represent only 6% of the vehicles on California’s roads, they account for over 35% of the state’s transportation generated nitrogen oxide emissions and 25% of the state’s on-road greenhouse gas emissions.

The regulation, initially projected to deliver tens of billions in health savings and operational cost reductions, is part of a broader state strategy that includes the Clean Truck Check program.