In November 2021, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) adopted the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT), following in the footsteps of the California Air Resource Board’s rules that limit the kinds of vehicles Oregonians can purchase. The first phase of those new regulations takes effect January 1, 2025.

Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) sent a letter to EQC asking for a delay in the implementation of the ACT rules that will lead to the ban of heavy-duty diesel vehicles in Oregon. This includes RVs, heavy duty pickup trucks like Ford F-250 and -350, utility vehicles, tow trucks, and semi-trucks. The rules require medium- and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers to sell zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) as a certain percentage of new vehicle sales, beginning with the 2025 model year. RV, pickup truck, and semi-truck manufacturers must increase their zero-emission new truck sales in Oregon year-over-year based on the truck’s size. The ban begins in 2025, requiring between 7-11% (depending on Class size) of sales to be ZEV, and increases in percentage to 100% by 2036.

The letter says in part:

“Given the lack of technological advancements and infrastructure necessary to support this transition, I believe that the implementation of these rules, while well-intentioned, will actually slow the reduction of emissions from the transportation sector while harming local industries and communities who rely on trucks to keep Oregon’s economy moving.”

Due partly to the lack of technological advancement, North Carolina, Connecticut, and Maine have since backed off their commitment to adopt the California standards. Colorado, Maryland, and Rhode Island have also delayed implementation. Federal law allows states that choose to adopt CARB regulations to modify implementation dates, but the substance of the regulations must be identical to California’s.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

“Oregon’s climate change policies need to get back in touch with reality,” Representative Boshart Davis said. “A 100% ban on new diesel pickups, RV’s and semi-trucks by 2036 should alarm everyone. Without immediate action from the EQC, countless everyday Oregonians who rely on essential equipment to make a living will find themselves unable to purchase that equipment. Without action, these regulations will do irreparable harm to Oregon businesses and working people. I urge the EQC to take immediate action and delay these rules.”

You can read the entire letter here.

The EQC is scheduled to meet on November 21 about potential paths forward regarding the ACT rules. There are new inventive energy systems being develop that will soon revolutionize vehicles that should cause a delay in all restrictions of use of fuels whether for vehicles or energy.

See the agenda here.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-11-15 02:18:46

Last Update: 2024-11-15 00:10:35