CALSTART Provides Support for Historic Action by California Air Resources Board Advancing Zero-Emission Truck Industry
New Rule to Require Manufacturing and Purchase of Zero-Emission Trucks
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Katharine Burnham
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Pasadena—CALSTART provided testimony today in support of the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) regulation to require the manufacture and purchase of zero-emission trucks in the state. The Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule requires manufacturers to produce the trucks and will set in motion processes to establish rules requiring fleets to purchase a growing number of zero-emission trucks over time.
“The rule being considered by the Air Resources Board will challenge manufacturers. Ultimately, this regulation will spur investment and innovation, and increase the chances that the U.S. will lead in the rapidly emerging global zero-emission truck industry,” said CALSTART CEO John Boesel. “We urge the Governor and Legislature to take notice of this action by CARB and to provide the necessary incentives to support purchases by small and large fleets,” continued Boesel.
To accompany today’s aggressive vehicle targets, CALSTART’s Executive Vice President, Bill Van Amburg provided testimony urging CARB to rapidly adopt corresponding fleet rules based on segments where zero emission technology is likely to soon be cost competitive with diesel. “We strongly support well created and focused fleet rules. They are a critical component to ensure the success of ACT and we urge CARB to develop these rules with all speed possible, based on the most promising ‘beachhead’ or first success-segments. This gives manufacturers focus for their product development,” said Van Amburg.
Incentives also play a key role in supporting manufacturers and their transition to zero-emission technologies. While, CALSTART is leading a national effort for a first-of-its-kind federal incentive program to promote zero-emission truck adoption and manufacturing, it is critical that California continue to prioritize incentives for zero-emission trucks through its climate investment funds. In California, incentives supported by the Legislature have made the state a clean transportation leader and created clean manufacturing ecosystems throughout the state. Tens of thousands of workers, making above-average wages, are building the clean transportation vehicles and infrastructure of the future. Incentives on the state and federal level will play an important part in solidifying American leadership in the growing global clean transportation marketplace. “We pledge to work hard with CARB, industry, Governor Newsom and the Legislature to make sure resources are focused on achieving this climate, clean air and social equity outcome, all while building jobs and our economy for leadership as we recover from COVID. This regulation can help build the zero-emission truck industry and create strong state and national jobs,” added Van Amburg.
“California once again has shown innovative leadership adopting forward-thinking policies that not only support our clean air goals, but create opportunity for economic growth and job creation,” continued Boesel. “Today’s new rule, coupled with incentives and targeted mandates for fleets, is a winning combination for California’s air and economy.”