Senate Votes to Block California Gas Car Ban — What It Means for Trucking
In a significant move, the U.S. Senate recently voted to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s approval of California’s plan to ban new gas-powered cars by 2035. The vote used the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to undo the EPA’s 2022 waiver that allowed California—and other states—to enforce the strict zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
While the rule specifically targets passenger vehicles, the trucking industry is keeping a close eye on these developments. That’s because policies like California’s often set the stage for broader regulations affecting commercial vehicles and trucking fleets.
Background: California’s Advanced Clean Cars II Rule
California’s rule, known as Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII), would have required all new passenger vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2035. Electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and hydrogen-powered vehicles would be the only new options allowed. Over a dozen states expressed interest in adopting the same rule after California received EPA approval in 2022.
However, industry groups like the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) raised concerns that the targets were unrealistic. In 2023, even in California—where EV adoption is strongest—only 13% of new car sales met the ZEV criteria, far short of the 35% goal set for 2026.
Implications for Trucking Fleets
While this rule applies to consumer vehicles, the trucking industry sees potential ripple effects. California already has zero-emission rules for commercial vehicles, including:
Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT)
Heavy-Duty Omnibus RegulationThese rules aim to shift medium- and heavy-duty trucks to electric or hydrogen power over time. If California’s gas car ban had spread nationwide, many believe similar mandates for commercial fleets would soon follow.
This raises important questions for fleet operators and owner-operators:
How will electric truck mandates affect costs and downtime?
Are charging stations accessible along major freight corridors?
Will ZEV technology be reliable enough for long-haul demands?For the trucking industry—where profit margins, uptime, and range are critical—these are not small concerns. Zero-emission trucks are expensive, charging infrastructure remains limited, and vehicle range continues to lag behind diesel options.
What Happens Next?
The House of Representatives and Senate have both approved the resolution to cancel the EPA waiver. It now heads to President Donald Trump, who has voiced strong opposition to electric vehicle mandates. He is expected to sign the resolution into law, which would block California and other states from enforcing gas car bans under the current waiver.
If finalized, this decision represents a pause in the momentum toward strict EV-only policies—a development many in the trucking world view as a win for energy flexibility and practical fleet planning.
Bottom Line for Truckers
While the immediate vote affects passenger vehicles, the trucking community knows that regulatory trends often move quickly across sectors. Staying informed and planning ahead will be key.
Understand the importance of logistics and the challenges faced by trucking and delivery businesses. If you’re looking for tailored insurance solutions for your trucking operation, contact us today to see how we can support your business.
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