In a move that sent shockwaves through the fleet world, the California Air Resources Board walked back its request for the waiver it would need from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its Advanced Clean Fleets regulation.

So where does that leave public sector fleets? As of right now, there is no change to the State and Local Government Fleets component.

Why Were the Waivers Needed?

CARB had previously delayed enforcement of the ACF regulations that were scheduled to kick in last year on drayage and 'high-priority fleets' until the EPA could grant a waiver as required.

The wavier requests that were withdrawn affect private and federal fleets, In-Use Locomotive Standards, and the Commercial Harbor Craft regulations.

The EPA updated its website to show CARB's request withdrawal and responded to the request. 

In a letter acknowledging the request, Acting EPA Administrator Jane Nishida stated in part, "...the EPA is taking no further action on the HD ACF waiver request...and considers this matter closed."

Read about the impact to drayage fleets on Heavy Duty Trucking.

CARB Officials Explain

CARB Chair Liane Randolph released a statement saying the EPA failed to act on the requests in time.

"The withdrawal is an important step given the uncertainty presented by the incoming administration that previously attacked California’s programs to protect public health and the climate and has said will continue to oppose those programs," the statement continued.

CARB is assessing its option to continue on with its work with fleets to improve the state's air quality.

"The waivers and authorizations recently approved, along with other existing programs, will advance essential emissions reductions in key sectors as we assess next steps," Randolph said.

The Government Fleet Requirements, Simplified

The rule that affects local and state government fleets mandates that 50% of the acquisitions must be ZEVs beginning in 2024. This increases to 100% on Jan. 1, 2027.

This applies to vehicles over 8,500 GVWR. These vehicles are known as Class 2b-Class 8 on-road vehicles.

Fleets had two options for beginning this process: the normal fleet vehicle replacement plan, and a ZEV Milestone Phase-In option. Under the latter, fleets could phase in ZEVs over time.

Government fleets were required to declare whether they were choosing the Milestone Phase-In option by April of last year.

What About the Advanced Clean Trucks Regulation?

The Advanced Clean Trucks regulation requires OEMs to sell an increasing percentage of their trucks and other vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 8,500 lbs. as zero emissions vehicles. 

This regulation was granted a separate waiver from CARB in 2023, meaning it is still in effect.