Welcome to the frontlines of California’s green revolution, where environmental ambitions collide head-on with economic realities, leaving an industry – and potentially consumers – caught in the crossfire. California, long known for its pioneering environmental policies, has unleashed a set of ambitious regulations that are sending shockwaves through the world of big rigs and heavy haulers. The Golden State’s latest crusade against vehicle emissions, spearheaded by the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) and Heavy-Duty Omnibus rules, has ignited a firestorm of controversy.
Impact on Truck Availability and Costs
The implementation of these regulations has resulted in a dramatic decrease in the availability of trucks, especially for the 2024 model year. Anthony Bento, chief legal officer for the California New Car Dealers Association, reports that dealers have seen significant reductions in available trucks. This shortage is particularly severe for Class 8 heavy-duty trucks weighing more than 33,000 pounds, with availability declining by over 80%, according to the same source.