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American Trucking Association Applauds Trump's Repeal of EV Mandates

On June 12, 2025, the American Trucking Association (ATA) expressed its gratitude towards President Trump for abolishing California's stringent electric vehicle mandates, recognizing this as a pivotal moment for the trucking industry. The association regarded Trump's actions as a significant advance towards establishing realistic national emissions standards that can be achieved without jeopardizing economic stability.

ATA President and CEO Chris Spear emphasized the importance of these changes during the White House signing ceremony. He stated, "Today, common sense prevailed. We thank President Trump, EPA Administrator Zeldin, and congressional leadership for taking decisive action to end crippling, detached-from-reality rulemakings that would have imposed devastating economic consequences on American businesses and families." Spear's sentiments highlight the necessity of maintaining a healthy balance between environmental initiatives and the operational realities of the trucking sector.

The resolution, passed by Congress under the Congressional Review Act, revokes federal waivers that had been granted to California under the previous Biden administration. These waivers enabled California to implement its own electric vehicle regulations, which were deemed unrealistic and potentially detrimental when applied on a national scale. By eliminating California's capacity to enforce these mandates, the ATA believes it’s restoring the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set fair national standards, free from state-led policy that could hinder the trucking industry's functionality.

The recent repeal specifically targets two key regulations: California's Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) Rule and the Low NOx Omnibus Rule. The ACT Rule, adopted by 11 states, forced heavy-duty and medium-duty truck manufacturers to incrementally increase the sales of zero-emission vehicles between 2024 and 2035. The Low NOx Omnibus Rule mandated significant emissions reductions for new truck sales, affecting ten states. The ATA, alongside key congressional figures like Rep. John James and Sen. Deb Fischer, voiced that such stringent measures were detached from the practical realities faced by the trucking industry.

During the signing event, professional truck drivers, including Gina Jones from Werner Enterprises, shared their experiences regarding the potential impact of California's regulations. Jones remarked, "We cannot allow one state's regulations to disrupt our entire nation's supply chain." Her statement resonates with the concerns raised by many within the trucking community about the negative implications these electric vehicle mandates could have on transportation and logistics.

For over five years, the trucking industry has raised alarms about California’s EV mandates. These mandates were criticized as being out of touch with the practical needs and operational capabilities of the industry. For instance, while a diesel truck can be refueled in around 15 minutes and provide a range of approximately 1,200 miles, electric trucks currently take six to eight hours to charge and provide a limited range of about 200 miles. This discrepancy exposes the logistical challenges that would arise from transitioning to a fleet of electric trucks rapidly. The ATA warns that such changes would necessitate a greater number of trucks for the same amount of freight, slowing down delivery times and adding significant operational costs.

The industry's apprehensions are supported by impressive strides in emissions reductions made over the years. Today's trucks emit 99% fewer nitrogen oxides and particulate matter compared to those on the road decades ago. Moreover, modern trucks have reduced carbon emissions by over 40% compared to those built in 2010, demonstrating the trucking sector's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. Spear concluded by saying, "We've done our part to reduce carbon emissions while keeping America's economy moving. What we need is federal leadership to set realistic and achievable national emissions standards. Today brings us one step closer to that goal."

As the ATA looks ahead, it remains committed to collaborating with federal policymakers in crafting effective national emissions standards that ensure the trucking industry can carry out its critical role in logistics and transport while considering environmental sustainability. The ATA reaffirms its position as the foremost representative of the trucking industry, advocating for the needs of the sector across America.

In summary, the repeal of California's electric vehicle mandates marks a significant victory for the American Trucking Associations, reflecting a collective desire for balanced, achievable environmental regulations that will support the industry and its contribution to the nation's economy.