California Withdraws Zero-Emission Truck and Train Rules Ahead of Trump Presidency

State officials pulled requests for EPA waivers, halting ambitious plans to phase out diesel vehicles and locomotives due to anticipated federal opposition.

California withdrew EPA waiver requests for its Advanced Clean Fleets rule, which aimed to ban new diesel truck sales by 2036 and phase out diesel fleets by 2042.
The state also abandoned plans to regulate emissions from locomotives, harbor craft, and refrigeration units, citing likely rejection by the incoming Trump administration.
The withdrawal halts efforts to address severe air pollution and climate change, particularly in low-income communities disproportionately affected by diesel exhaust.
The Biden administration approved California's ban on new gas-powered car sales by 2035, but failed to act on these additional clean-air rules before leaving office.
Trucking and industry groups opposed the regulations, arguing they were costly and impractical, while environmentalists expressed disappointment over the setback.