In a bid to challenge the stricter regulations imposed by California, a business lobby group backed by former Attorney General Bill Barr has filed a lawsuit against the state. The American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce (AFECC) filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California on Tuesday, alleging that California violated the Clean Air Act by implementing rules stricter than federal regulations without obtaining an exemption from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The lawsuit is supported by Associated Equipment Distributors and other industry groups who argue that California’s efforts to ban liquid fuels and internal combustion engines are a threat to their livelihoods and a violation of federal law. The AFECC Executive Director Gentry Collins criticized these regulations, stating that they pose a significant risk to the American way of life and are bad climate policy.
Last year, California announced a rule that would gradually increase the required percentage of electric trucks sold in the state over a 10-year period from 2024 to 2035. This regulation mandates that short-haul trucks must be zero-emission by 2035 and that half of heavy-duty vehicle purchases from state and local self-governments must be zero emissions from this year. However, critics argue that these requirements are unrealistic and will lead to higher costs for consumers while benefiting only a few large corporations.
The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter provides updates on energy and environmental policies affecting industries such as oil and gas and emerging supply chains. Rachel Frazin and Zack Budrik keep readers informed about the latest developments in this critical area.
