California’s Clean Truck Rules: What You Need to Know About ACF, ACT, and Clean Truck Check
California has been making headlines with its ambitious plans to clean up trucking emissions. You’ve probably heard about the recent decision to pause the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule, but that’s just one piece of a much larger puzzle. To stay ahead, you need to understand the full picture: ACF, Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT), and the Clean Truck Check.
Here’s a deep dive into what each regulation means for you and how they fit together.
1. Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF): The Future of Fleets
The ACF rule is California’s bold proposal to gradually phase out diesel trucks and transition large fleets to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). It’s like a long-term roadmap for fleet owners.
• Key Goals:
1. No New Diesel Trucks by 2036: Starting that year, new diesel trucks would be banned.
2. Zero-Emission Fleets by 2042: Large fleets must replace all diesel trucks with ZEVs by this date.
• Current Status:
California recently withdrew its request for federal approval to enforce the ACF rule, delaying implementation. This doesn’t mean the rule is dead—it’s a temporary pause while California explores other ways to achieve its goals.
2. Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT): The Manufacturer Mandate
While the ACF rule targets fleets, the ACT rule focuses on truck manufacturers. It’s already active and requires manufacturers to produce and sell more zero-emission trucks in California.
• How It Works:
• Beginning with the 2024 model year, manufacturers must meet annual sales quotas for zero-emission trucks.
• These quotas increase over time, ensuring that more ZEVs become available for fleet owners.
• Impact on Fleets:
Even though ACT doesn’t force you to buy ZEVs right now, it guarantees that as these vehicles hit the market, they’ll be more accessible and affordable. If you’re planning for the future, this rule ensures a growing pool of electric options.
3. Clean Truck Check: Keeping Diesel Trucks in Line
The Clean Truck Check (formerly known as the Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Program) is all about reducing pollution from the diesel trucks still on the road. It ensures your existing fleet complies with emissions standards.
• What You Need to Know:
• Who It Affects: Most trucks over 14,000 pounds, including diesel and other heavy-duty vehicles.
• Requirements: Regular emissions testing and reporting to prove your trucks are within limits.
• Penalties: Non-compliance can lead to fines, so staying on top of maintenance is crucial.
• Why It’s Important:
While we wait for the widespread adoption of ZEVs, this program reduces harmful emissions from the diesel trucks still operating. It’s a reminder that keeping your current fleet compliant isn’t optional—it’s the law.
How These Rules Work Together
Think of these regulations as building blocks for a cleaner trucking industry:
1. ACT ensures manufacturers produce zero-emission trucks.
2. ACF lays out the timeline for fleets to adopt those trucks.
3. Clean Truck Check focuses on reducing emissions from today’s diesel vehicles while we transition to cleaner options.
Even though the ACF rule is temporarily paused, ACT and Clean Truck Check are active and enforceable right now. Together, they create a pathway toward a zero-emission future while addressing the pollution from current fleets.
What Should You Do Now?
Here’s how to navigate this shifting landscape:
1. Stay Compliant with Clean Truck Check: Keep up with inspections and emissions testing to avoid fines.
2. Plan for ZEVs: Start thinking about how zero-emission trucks might fit into your fleet as they become more available under the ACT rule.
3. Stay Informed: Regulations like ACF may be delayed, but they’re not going away. Keep an eye on California’s next moves to avoid surprises.
Why It Matters
California’s trucking industry is at the forefront of a national shift toward sustainability. Even if you’re not based in California, these rules could influence similar policies in other states. Preparing now means you’ll be ready for what’s next—whether that’s a cleaner fleet, fewer emissions, or a smoother path to compliance.
The bottom line? California’s clean truck rules are reshaping the industry. While it might feel like a challenge today, it’s paving the way for a greener, more efficient future for everyone on the road. Stay ahead, stay informed, and keep rolling.