Clean Trucks Act: Towing Groups Call for Delay

Towing and recovery associations are calling on governors in 10 states to delay California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) and NOx regulations. The plea comes as the U.S. House debates a resolution to repeal California’s electric vehicle mandate, deepening uncertainty in the trucking sector.

In 2024, the California Air Resources Board set a rule to phase out medium- and heavy-duty combustion engine trucks in favor of Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) by 2035—a policy later adopted by 10 blue states. However, five of these states are now seeking delays. Within a year of the regulation’s enactment, sales of combustion engine chassis dropped more than 80%, leaving manufacturers struggling to mass-produce ZEV alternatives and develop adequate infrastructure. Despite amendments made by CARB in October 2024, truck dealers report no significant recovery.

In a letter to state governors, towing associations emphasized the risks to roadway safety and local jobs if the regulations proceed as planned. With California’s inventory of combustion engine chassis dwindling, there is concern that tow companies might exploit a loophole to buy older trucks from states without ACT, further destabilizing the market. Source: PR/River City Communications