Today, Evergreen Action sent a letter to California officials calling for swift oversight regarding reported tactics from big truck companies that could make clean trucks more expensive, or downright unavailable, for the vital American businesses that need them—and impose unjust pollution burdens on communities near trucking hubs. Clean truck availability problems are already affecting businesses per these reports. That means dirtier air as dirty trucks keep running. And the problem is clearly getting serious: One state, Oregon, even recently proposed to roll back clean truck rules because not enough trucks are on the market, and others are under pressure. The letter calls for oversight to support communities that fought for clean air, businesses demanding clean trucks, and America’s efforts to clean up the vital supply chain trucks serve.
In the letter, Evergreen describes several tactics, identified by California air regulators, that several big truck companies are employing. The tactics seem to be artificially increasing prices or choking off the supply of clean trucks in multiple states, including California. This has frustrated businesses and jeopardized public health. As a result, truckers have faced difficulties in obtaining clean vehicles, and overburdened communities have experienced increased pollution, as crucial clean transportation policies encounter compliance issues. Oregon’s delay of the world-leading Heavy-Duty Omnibus (HDO) Rule for big trucks is one near-term consequence, pushing back a stringent rule meant to protect kids, the elderly, and the vulnerable from truck pollution. The letter calls on California officials to partner with federal agencies to examine relevant antitrust, consumer protection, and unfair business practice laws related to recent industry activities, and take appropriate action based on the facts they find.
Read the full letter here.
“As businesses face unexpected challenges securing clean trucks, and communities face continued dirty air and sick kids, it’s time for California to make sure everyone in the industry is playing fair. Small businesses running truck fleets may need special attention to make sure they can affordably get the vehicles they need when up against big company tactics. With California regulators and independent reports flagging worrying pricing and production trends from many big truck companies, it’s time for oversight now—before this problem can get worse, with bad implications for ordinary truckers, communities, and the climate,” said Craig Segall, Evergreen Action senior vice president. “Governor Newsom, Attorney General Bonta, and the dedicated officials at the California Environmental Protection Agency and the Air Resources Board have always stood up for a clean and affordable path forward. We’re confident they’ll be able to get to the bottom of this—and to support other states facing these challenges.”
Earlier this year, Evergreen published "Keep on Trucking: The Biggest Coordinated Investment in Freight Electrification Is Here" demonstrating that trucks can decarbonize fast with a mix of good policy, manufacturer planning, and public support. Evergreen has also called for continued and urgent attention to be paid to the market power of the big truck companies.
Read the full letter here.