Llame al (888) 572-7520 para hablar con un agente
Enviar mensaje a un agente
The U.S. House of Representatives approved two resolutions revoking key exemptions granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to California.
With a vote of 231 in favor and 191 against, the House voted on Wednesday, April 30, to overturn the exemption that allowed California to implement the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule, aimed at promoting the use of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). In a separate vote (225-196), it also revoked the exemption enabling the Low NOx Omnibus rule, which imposes stricter limits on nitrogen oxide emissions from heavy-duty trucks.
The measure now moves to the Senate, where, if passed, it could trigger a fierce legal battle. California has already prepared for this possibility and has a special fund in place to defend its regulatory autonomy on environmental matters—a fight the state has been engaged in for years.
Industry Debate: Can Congress Revoke an Exemption?
Despite the final vote, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has questioned the legality of Congress’s decision, issuing an opinion stating that Congress does not have the authority to revoke exemptions already granted by the EPA. The debate centers on whether Congress can repeal an exemption, rather than a regulation directly.
However, the issue has national significance, as its impact reaches beyond California’s borders. Ten states—including New York, Oregon, and Colorado—have already adopted the ACT rule, following California’s lead. This expansion has created tension, particularly among trucking groups concerned about the economic and operational impact of these regulations.
Moreover, the debate complicates the future of the Clean Truck Partnership, an agreement reached in July 2023 between California and engine manufacturers, under which they agreed to federal NOx standards in exchange for implementing the ACT rule. The validity of this agreement is in question if ACT loses its exemption.
In response to the House’s decision, the transportation industry reacted strongly. Groups like the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the Clean Freight Coalition (CFC) praised the House’s move. Chris Spear, ATA President, stated that “California should never hold the keys to policies that affect our interstate supply chains.”
Visible Effects of the Repeal of the Advanced Clean Trucks Rule
One of the already visible effects is the uncertainty among heavy-duty truck dealers, many of whom are canceling new vehicle orders due to regulatory ambiguity.
Meanwhile, California recently withdrew its request for an exemption to enforce the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule, which would require manufacturers to sell a percentage of ZEV trucks and companies to maintain those vehicles in their fleets over the next two decades. Although the state has stated the rule is not off the table, its implementation is currently on hold.
Despite the lack of a mandate, the number of ZEV trucks continues to grow, especially in ports like Long Beach, suggesting that the transition to a cleaner fleet is still underway—albeit entangled in increasing legal and political complexity.
World Mental Health Day: how to care for truck drivers’ mental health
As part of World Mental Health Day, we focus on caring for the mental health of truck drivers. World Mental Health Day reminds us that
Solving the shortage of diesel technicians
The role of the transport industry in combating the shortage of diesel technicians: what should be done to solve it? In August 2025, the American
Mobile Clinics: The Unsung Heroes Bringing Healthcare to America’s Highways
The drivers of these massive trailers have become the unsung heroes of America’s roads, delivering life-saving medical services to every corner of the country.
Ending CDL reciprocity: the U.S. seeks stricter measures
New bill would require states to comply with the strict CDL regulations recently established. The U.S. House of Representatives has introduced new legislation aimed at
Cargo theft costs the transportation industry $18 million in losses
Cargo theft has been one of the most persistent issues facing the freight transportation industry so far in 2025. Cargo theft has been one of
Duffy Secures $41 Million to Save Essential Air Service as Shutdown Threat Looms
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced on Wednesday that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has secured $41 million in additional emergency funding to sustain the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, a federal initiative that subsidizes commercial flights to rural and underserved communities across the United States.
Business hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. California time