California Adopts First-ever Rules on Zero-emission Trucks, Buses

California has adopted new rules in a major move toward zero-emissions electric trucks and buses, Kallanish Energy reports.

The California Air Resources Board has ordered the makers of medium-duty and heavy-duty commercial trucks to begin selling zero-emissions trucks by 2024.

A total of 100,000 trucks should be sold in California by 2030 and 300,000 trucks by 2035.

By 2045, all trucks and buses must be zero-emission vehicles.

The move has been called the country’s toughest clean-air mandate on trucks and buses.

California would be the first place in the world to mandate zero-emissions trucks by 2045, said Gov. Gavin Newsom in a statement.

“This is a bold step we’re taking today,” said air board member Judy Mitchell in a report by the Los Angeles Times on last week’s action.

The state move is expected to help cut air pollution from diesel-powered trucks and to help California meet greenhouse gas reductions of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% below by 2050.

The move was supported by environmentalists, health advocates and climate action supporters, while strongly opposed by traditional manufacturers who said the state’s deadlines would be impossible to meet.

Critics noted that there is no charging infrastructure and inadequate incentive funding available for buyers of zero-emission trucks.

Several Northeast states have been following developments in California and plan to adopt the California plan, known as the Advanced Clean Truck initiative.

All truck manufacturers are developing electric trucks, powered either by batteries or by hydrogen fuel cells.