California’s San Joaquin Valley is known for having some of the dirtiest air in the nation, a problem exacerbated by the fact that about 45 percent of the state’s freight trucking passes through the region. This pollution has had a significant impact on the health of residents like Wes Lowe, who lives in the heart of the valley, about 20 miles outside of Fresno. Lowe and his family rely on multiple medications to cope with the effects of the polluted air they breathe daily.
Lowe, who is a partner at Kingsburg Truck Center, understands the urgent need for California to transition to cleaner, more sustainable transportation options. He has seen firsthand the challenges associated with electrifying the trucking industry and pushing older, more polluting vehicles off the road. While progress has been made, with more than 15 percent of medium- and heavy-duty trucks sold statewide in 2023 being zero-emission, there are still significant hurdles to overcome.
The state began its trucking transition in 2021 by requiring manufacturers to produce an increasing number of zero-emission big rigs, known as Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT). By 2036, private and public fleets are mandated to only purchase these zero-emission vehicles, establishing what are called Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF). However, the Trump administration’s hostility towards electric vehicles and clean energy has created uncertainty and challenges for California’s regulations.
The state’s efforts to clean up trucking have faced setbacks, with the U.S. Senate revoking California’s EPA waiver in May 2023, limiting the state’s ability to mandate the electrification of private fleets. Despite these challenges, the Clean Trucks Partnership has seen several manufacturers commit to producing zero-emission rigs, providing a glimmer of hope for the state’s clean air efforts.
California’s Air Resources Board has estimated that the Advanced Clean Fleet rule could eliminate 5.9 tons of nitrogen oxide emissions in the San Joaquin Valley by 2037. However, more action is needed to meet EPA air quality requirements, with additional regulations like the In-Use Locomotive rule aiming to further reduce emissions from older trucks.
The uncertainty surrounding California’s trucking decarbonization campaign has had real-world impacts, with businesses like Kingsburg Truck Center facing challenges and uncertainty. Despite the setbacks, California remains committed to cleaning up its trucking industry and improving air quality for all residents. The road ahead may be challenging, but the state is determined to make progress towards a cleaner, healthier future for all. California is pushing for a transition to 100 percent zero-emission truck sales by 2036, but the Trump administration’s resistance to the idea is making it challenging to achieve this goal. Guillermo Ortiz from the National Resources Defense Council acknowledges the difficulty but also sees opportunities for progress.
One potential solution being considered is a bill that would grant the Air Resources Board the authority to regulate ports, rail yards, and warehouses. This would enable regulators to enforce strategies that promote the transition, such as requiring facilities to install charging infrastructure. Additionally, various state programs provide financial support for electric trucks, which can be significantly more expensive than diesel rigs.
Despite the obstacles posed by the Trump administration’s opposition to emissions standards, California is fighting back. The state plans to sue the administration to retain its right to set emissions standards, crucial for meeting air quality requirements. Craig Segall, a former deputy executive director of the Air Resources Board, emphasizes the importance of transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, particularly in addressing air pollution in regions like the Central Valley.
While regulatory challenges persist, Segall remains optimistic about market forces driving the transition. As countries like China invest in electric big rigs, global companies will need to follow suit to remain competitive. The economic benefits of zero-emission trucks, such as lower maintenance and fueling costs, are becoming increasingly apparent to trucking companies.
Marissa Campbell, co-founder of Mitra EV, highlights the economic advantages of transitioning away from diesel trucks. By demonstrating cost savings to businesses, the transition to electric vehicles becomes more appealing. Valerie Thorsen of CalSTART echoes this sentiment, viewing the Trump administration’s resistance as a temporary hurdle on the path to an inevitable transition.
To support the transition, charging infrastructure is crucial. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District received a federal grant to build solar-powered EV charging sites for big rigs along Interstate 5. Despite the Trump administration’s halting of grant programs, projects like these are moving forward, signaling progress towards a cleaner transportation system.
Ultimately, support for zero-emission trucks is essential for their widespread adoption. Bill Hall, a truck operator in Berkeley, California, embraced the transition to electric hydrogen fuel cell rigs and received state funding to invest in this technology. As more early adopters like Hall demonstrate the viability of zero-emission trucks, the market will be pressured to expand charging infrastructure, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future in trucking. Hall’s experience with his hydrogen truck showcases the potential of this technology in California. Despite the minimal hydrogen distribution system in place, he was able to drive his truck across the state with ease. However, Nikola’s bankruptcy in February led to a lack of technical support, leaving Hall hesitant to continue using his truck. The high cost of hydrogen fuel, at $33 per kilogram, further adds to his financial burden.
The collapse of Nikola has left Hall paying $1,000 a month for insurance and $225 a month for parking, without the company’s support. He believes that the state should have done more to support hydrogen technology, suggesting the distribution of 1,000 hydrogen trucks and subsidized fuel costs. Hall reflects on his decision to invest in the technology, stating, “I did the right thing, which ended up being the wrong thing.”
Beyond the financial implications, the shift from diesel to zero-emission vehicles has significant health benefits. The transportation sector accounts for 80 percent of California’s ozone-forming emissions, contributing to air pollution and health issues. Will Barrett from the American Lung Association emphasizes the importance of transitioning to zero-emission trucks to save lives and improve public health.
Despite progress in reducing air pollution in California, residents like Luis Mendez Gomez continue to face health challenges due to pollution from transportation and industrial activities. Mendez Gomez highlights the need for government and companies to take responsibility and address environmental concerns. However, he expresses concern about potential setbacks in environmental progress, particularly with the federal government’s stance on environmental regulations.
As California strives to combat air pollution and promote clean energy solutions, challenges remain in ensuring a sustainable and healthy environment for all residents. The experiences of individuals like Hall and Mendez Gomez underscore the importance of continued efforts to address environmental issues and promote clean transportation technologies.
