Judge Blocks California’s Clean Truck Mandate

Heavy-duty truck manufacturers scored a legal win after a federal judge temporarily blocked California from enforcing key parts of its Clean Truck Partnership (CTP). On Oct. 31, U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins granted a preliminary injunction, ruling that major OEMs — responsible for nearly all U.S. Class 8 sales — would face harm if forced to comply with the 2023 agreement while its legality is under review.

Daimler Truck North America, Paccar, Volvo Group North America and International argued the CTP violates the Clean Air Act and is pre-empted by federal authority. Their position strengthened when California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a separate breach-of-contract suit against them, which Coggins said undermined the state’s defense.

The manufacturers claim they were caught between conflicting mandates: California insisting they follow CARB’s certification and zero-emission requirements, and the U.S. Department of Justice ordering them to stop, calling the standards illegal. DOJ sent cease-and-desist letters in August, arguing only EPA rules apply. Source: https://www.ttnews.com