SACRAMENTO, Calif. — If some regulators have their way, diesel big rig sales could be banned in the state of California as early as 2040.
The Los Angeles Times reports that the California Air Resource Board (CARB) is proposing regulations to end the sale of new diesel-propelled big rigs and other trucks within the next 18 years.
The regulations would also require all state and local government fleets be zero-emission by 2027, less than five years from now, with large fleet operators like Amazon and Walmart converting all their trucks that operate in the state to zero-emission vehicles by 2042.
Approximately 6% of Californians — nearly 30 million registered vehicles are medium- and heavy-duty trucks, according to the LA Times. They also said that the trucks contribute one-fourth of all greenhouse gas emissions from the top-polluting transport sector, accounting for 41% of total emissions.
Calling it a “moral obligation,” the new regulations would likely demand a radical buildup of electric charging infrastructure, placing new stresses on California’s fragile power grid and force the trucking industry to reshape how it does business.
Regulators and activists say any disruption would be outweighed by lives and money saved.
Regulators estimate the regulations, which would target all fossil-fuel-powered big rigs, would save 5,000 Californian lives between 2024 and 2050 by preventing premature deaths, and reduce health costs by $57 billion.
The California Air Resources Board, which must vote on the truck proposal, is expected to consider it Oct. 27.
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
I think that by 2040 California will be the last place people will want to move to. Goods will be transported by mules and oxen.
As usual, California is putting the cart before the horse. Get your power grid up to par before mandating these changes. How about another short term fix,follow the rail industries example of more fuel efficient fossil fuel engines driving electric generators which power the rigs.
Screw California I say no trucks in and no trucks out! Let them starve! Let them ALL walk! Let them build houses out of palm trees! Screw them!