On October 24, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) issued new amendments to the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations, effectively ending diesel motorhome sales in California and five other states. Under these regulations, all vehicles over 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) must now produce zero emissions, leaving diesel RVs out of compliance.
The ACT regulation includes a credit system allowing manufacturers to sell a limited number of fossil-fuel engines if balanced by non-polluting vehicles. However, diesel chassis builders Spartan and Freightliner, essential suppliers to Newmar RV, have stated they cannot meet the credit requirements. As a result, Newmar announced on November 4 that it can no longer offer diesel motorhomes on these platforms.
The impact of this rule extends beyond California. Residents of Oregon, Washington, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts will also be unable to register diesel motorhomes that do not comply with the ACT regulation.