Yesterday, August 14^th, the Environmental Protection Agency hosted a public hearing to receive comments on a request from the California Air Resources Board to waive Clean Air Act provisions to allow their Advanced Clean Fleets regulations to proceed.

The regulations, which have been adopted by the state agency, require incorporation of zero-emitting vehicles beginning in 2024 for state and local government fleets, drayage truck fleets, federal agency fleets, and large commercial fleets that own, lease, or operate on-road medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles, and light-duty package delivery vehicles. The regulations also require that all new California-certified medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales be zero-emitting vehicles starting in 2036. Elements of the ACF regulation apply to off-road engines and equipment, specifically off-road yard tractors.

During the hearing, the National Aquaculture Association was clearly a minority voice amongst the 245 citizens and organizations registered to speak. Businesses dependent upon trucks to move goods and people provided similar comments that effective, efficient and reliable zero emission trucks are not available. 

The NAA presented this statement. 

You are welcome to utilize these talking point in your comments to EPA.

Farms and businesses that operate in California or recognize truck technology is not available to fulfill farmer or live haul transportation needs should comment to the agency. This is a link to the EPA Federal Register notice seeking written comments: 2024-15343.pdf (epa.gov). Written comments are due September 16^th. Written comments can be submitted here: Regulations.gov.

The NAA will be drafting a comment letter and we strongly suggest farms and businesses submit comment.