Llame al (888) 572-7520 para hablar con un agente
Enviar mensaje a un agente
The Environmental Protection Agency has begun the process of reversing and overturning several vehicle emissions regulations.
Under the administration of Lee Zeldin, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun the process of reversing and overturning several vehicle emissions regulations, including the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, along with other California regulations. This move could complicate future administrations’ ability to restore these rules.
On February 14, the EPA announced that it will send three regulations issued during the Biden administration to Congress: Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and the Heavy-Duty Omnibus rule. According to the Congressional Review Act, Congress will review these rules and could overturn them with a simple majority.
Congressional Review Act
In 2019, the EPA under the Trump administration revoked the exemption for Advanced Clean Cars, marking the first time a California exemption was eliminated. However, the Biden administration restored the exemption. Now, the EPA is using the Congressional Review Act, which requires agencies to submit their major rules to Congress for review. Under this law, Congress has 60 days from the rule’s effective date to approve a joint resolution of disapproval that invalidates the rule.
The Trump administration is taking advantage of a loophole in the Congressional Review Act for the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which was approved in March 2023 but was not submitted to Congress for review by the EPA. According to the Congressional Review Act, a rule must be reviewed by Congress or published in the Federal Register to go into effect. Since Advanced Clean Trucks was not submitted for review, the EPA could restart the process, effectively resetting the 60-day review period.
If Congress revokes the exemptions for Advanced Clean Trucks, a future administration would not be able to reinstate it, as the Biden administration did with Advanced Clean Cars. Under the Congressional Review Act, a rule overturned by Congress cannot be reinstated without new legislation.
Response of the transportation industry
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) celebrated this step, arguing that it protects small business truckers from California-imposed regulations. OOIDA emphasized that the high investments required for commercial electric vehicles and the lack of charging infrastructure make these options unfeasible for truckers, in addition to the fact that emissions regulations have raised vehicle costs.
On the other hand, some industry associations expressed their willingness to work with regulators to find solutions that promote a cleaner environment, but pointed out that the electrification of commercial transportation faces significant challenges. Kevin Weeks, executive director of the Massachusetts Trucking Association, stressed that current technologies, costs, and infrastructure are not yet ready for a widespread transition to electric trucks, which could hinder the achievement of emission reduction goals.
In Washington, the implementation of Advanced Clean Trucks has also been a topic of debate. Sheri Call, president of the Washington Trucking Association, emphasized that a fragmented approach between states could slow progress toward decarbonizing the sector. The president of the American Trucking Associations, Chris Spear, opposed California having control over national policies and the regulation of the supply chain, highlighting that the Trump administration opened a path for Congress to reclaim decision-making authority over these rules.
Road rage spikes during summer: beware and be safe
Stress behind the wheel, combined with extreme heat that makes us more irritable, can lead to more than just frustration: it can trigger road rage.
The Fuels of the Future: How the U.S. Is Redefining Energy with Waste, Hydrogen, and CO₂
The United States is leading a new energy revolution—one powered by waste, clean air, and cutting-edge science. From manure to solar power, from agricultural leftovers
Operation Safe Driver Week: how to be prepared
Operation Safe Driver Week will take place from July 13 to 19, here are some actions to perform to be prepared for inspections. The Commercial
ABF Freight evaluates Tesla Semi in three-week trial
The Tesla Semi test included highway and regional routes in Reno and Sacramento, as well as operations in the Bay Area. ArcBest’s freight transportation company,
Earth Is Spinning Faster: What It Means for GPS, Trucking, and Drivers’ Daily Operations
Earth Is Spinning Faster: What It Means for GPS, Trucking, and Drivers’ Daily Operations
Unified Registration System: new identity verification system to combat fraud
The Unified Registration System has a new identity verification process will be simple and promises to reduce fraud in the transportation industry. A fraud epidemic
Business hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. California time