Hearing on proposed zero-emission fleet regulations set for Oct. 27; written comments due Oct. 17
A public hearing for the California Air Resources Board’s proposed Advanced Clean Fleets regulation is scheduled for an Oct. 27 at the California Environmental Protection Agency in Sacramento. The proposed changes would transition California’s medium-and heavy-duty diesel fleets to zero-emissions vehicles in less than 20 years.
The League of California Cities supports efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. However, the proposed regulatory changes ignore existing market realities, as well as sufficient time to develop and ramp up supportive infrastructure.
Under the proposed regulations, 50% of new medium-and heavy-duty fleet vehicle purchases, such as garbage trucks, must be zero-emission starting Jan. 1, 2024. That requirement will accelerate to 100% by 2027.
Cal Cities recently submitted a comment letter highlighting its concerns with how the regulation assesses the availability of zero-emission vehicles. The letter also proposed a separate exemption process for when zero-emission vehicles are not accessible to public agencies in practice or are unsuitable for the fleet’s operational needs.
City officials can provide public comment during the Oct. 27 hearing virtually or in person. A Zoom link will be available via the public meeting agenda, which will be posted ten days before the meeting.
Written testimony may also be provided in advance of the hearing no later than Oct. 17. A sample letter is available for cities that wish to comment in advance.
For additional information, including in-depth information about the regulations, please contact your regional public affairs manager