Trump's Executive Order Targets EV Mandate, Impacting Advanced Clean Trucks Regulation in Massachusetts

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to eliminate the "electric vehicle (EV) mandate," a move that has significant implications for states like Massachusetts implementing the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation. The ACT requires manufacturers to incrementally increase the sales of zero-emission trucks, with a target of 7% for new Class 7-8 truck sales in the 2025 model year.

Trucking industry stakeholders have expressed concerns over the ACT's implementation, citing challenges such as manufacturers mandating dealerships to sell one electric truck before ordering approximately 13 diesel trucks, despite limited market demand for zero-emission vehicles. These challenges have led to calls for at least a two-year delay in the ACT's enforcement.

President Trump's executive order not only seeks to roll back federal truck emission standards introduced in the previous year but also aims to revoke California's waiver for the ACT. Given that Massachusetts and several other states have adopted California's stringent emission standards, this federal action introduces uncertainty regarding the future of the ACT in these regions.

A significant hurdle in adopting electric trucks is the lack of charging infrastructure. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act had allocated substantial funds to develop this infrastructure. However, the recent executive order mandates a pause on this funding, potentially exacerbating existing challenges.

In Massachusetts, the situation is particularly pressing. Kevin Weeks, Executive Director of the Trucking Association of Massachusetts, noted the absence of public heavy-duty charging stations in the state. While there is optimism about the potential revocation of the ACT waiver, the current lack of action means that Massachusetts continues to face the regulation's challenges without immediate relief.

Previously, over 40 trade associations and nearly 40 state lawmakers urged Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey to delay the ACT's implementation, highlighting the state's unpreparedness in terms of necessary infrastructure. Despite receiving $63 million for electric vehicle charging, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has yet to disburse any funds, further complicating the situation.

As the federal administration works out the specifics of implementing the executive order, states like Massachusetts remain in a state of limbo, balancing regulatory requirements with infrastructural limitations. The trucking industry is closely monitoring developments, hoping for clarity and support in navigating this evolving landscape.

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