EPA Approves California's Plan to Phase Out Most Diesel Trucks by 2045

The Environmental Protection Agency approved California’s planned shift away from diesel box trucks and semi trucks, transitioning to electric, zero-emission trucks by 2045.

For Context: California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) signed an executive order in 2020 mandating all minimum- and heavy-duty trucks be zero-emission vehicles by 2045. This aligns with a larger trend in the state to phase out gasoline and diesel vehicles. In August, the California Air Resources Board approved new rules that would effectively ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035.

Key Quotes: Following the announcement, Newsom tweeted, “California leads the way once again. Time to stop playing small ball. Half of all heavy duty trucks sold in CA will be electric by 2035.” A statement from EPA Administrator Michael Regen read, “Today’s announcement allows the state to take additional steps in reducing their transportation emissions through these new regulatory actions.” A statement from Chris Spear, American Trucking Association President, warned that the state’s infrastructure was not prepared for the shift away from diesel, stating, “The state and federal regulators collaborating on this unrealistic patchwork of regulations have no grasp on the real costs of designing, building, manufacturing and operating the trucks that deliver their groceries, clothes and goods.”

How The Media Covered It: The approval was covered mildly across the spectrum, most prominently in left-rated outlets. The Associated Press noted that California has “some of the nation’s worst air pollution.” The Washington Examiner noted that “the rules will entail huge costs and disruption.”