Aim News

As climate change concerns continue to grow in the U.S. (and globally), states, lawmakers and stakeholders are pushing for stricter emission regulations to reduce the carbon footprint of heavy-duty vehicles.

In recent years, emission regulations for the trucking industry have tightened significantly with more changes coming. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have implemented strict standards aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).

For example, the EPA’s Phase 2 GHG Emissions Standards, which took effect in 2021, mandated that manufacturers improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions from new trucks.  GHG Phase 3 will begin impacting all states beginning in 2027. 

In this video, Aim Senior VP of Sales Operations, Dan Fleming, focuses on current and upcoming emission regulations, particularly those coming down from the EPA and CARB (including the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT), Clean Truck Check and truck refrigeration rules), so you and your fleet are ready to meet the challenges these laws will impose.

 A key player in the U.S. regulatory landscape is the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB has long been at the forefront of environmental regulation and has set some of the most stringent standards for vehicle emissions in the country. The Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation, introduced by CARB, requires manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission trucks, with a goal of 100% zero-emission truck sales by 2045.

CARB has also established the Low NOx Heavy-Duty Omnibus Regulation, which aims to reduce NOx emissions by 90% from 2027 onward, far surpassing federal standards. Other states are expected to adopt similar measures, further increasing the pressure on the industry.

Further impacting the industry include CARB’s Clean Truck Check (heavy-duty vehicle inspection and maintenance) and rules targeting refrigerated trucks. 

All combined, this patchwork of rules presents roadblocks to fleet planning beyond California. These pressures will be challenging for everyone in the industry operating commercial truck for many reasons:

Financial Burden:
Out-of-state truckers and the businesses they drive for often need to invest in retrofitting or upgrading their vehicles to meet CARB standards. These modifications can be expensive, leading to a significant financial burden for companies.

Navigating Complex Regulations:
CARB regulations are intricate and subject to frequent updates. Companies, especially those with drivers traveling across state lines, may find it challenging to stay informed about the latest requirements, leading to inadvertent non-compliance and potential fines.

Limited Access to Clean Fuels:
Access to cleaner fuels, such as low-carbon or renewable diesel, can be limited outside of California. Businesses and drivers may face logistical challenges in sourcing these fuels, impacting their ability to comply with CARB regulations.

Enforcement and Penalties:
CARB regulations come with strict enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance. Drivers traveling from state to state may feel the pressure, and the fear of facing penalties can add stress to their operations.

While these sweeping emission regulations present challenges for many businesses, especially those running commercial equipment across state lines, proactive measures and a willingness to adapt can help mitigate the impact. A critical component of this is knowing just what to be ready and prepare for, and that’s why Aim Transportation Solutions' experts are here for you. If you want to learn how best to prepare your business for these sweeping changes, email us at info@aimntls.com