Washington state’s trucking industry is raising alarms over California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) program, warning that the policy threatens the supply chain by imposing stringent emissions standards on medium and heavy-duty trucks. Industry leaders have urged the Washington state government to reconsider its alignment with the California-based electric vehicle program, citing significant practical and logistical challenges.

The ACT program mandates that starting next year, zero-emission vehicles must make up 7% of all Class 2b-3 truck and Class 7-8 tractor sales, with Class 4-8 truck sales needing to be 11% zero-emission vehicles. By 2030, those percentages rise to 30% and 50%, respectively.

Washington Trucking Associations (WTA) President Sheri Call, in an August 15 letter to Governor Jay Inslee, expressed concern over the “vehicle costs, operational challenges, and low to non-existent vehicle adoption” that could strain Washington’s supply chain resilience. She emphasized that these new mandates could lead to operational shifts, with trucking companies considering relocation to states without the ACT requirements.

Call highlighted several issues with zero-emission trucks, including high costs, limited cargo capacity, and shorter driving ranges. “Zero emission trucks are two and half times more expensive than clean diesel trucks, have two and half tons less cargo capacity, and only offer 150-200 miles per charge,” Call stated. Additionally, she noted that while California has developed extensive support for decarbonization over the years, Washington lacks the necessary infrastructure and funding incentives.

The trucking industry argues that the ACT policy, while intended to promote environmental sustainability, could backfire by driving up costs for businesses and consumers. Call warned that the policy could result in higher prices on goods and services that rely on medium and heavy-duty trucking.

In response, Governor Inslee’s office acknowledged the concerns but expressed confidence that the policy’s goals are achievable. Deputy Communication Director Mike Faulk indicated that Washington is working with California and Oregon to secure federal funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, including a charging corridor along Interstate 5 for semi-trucks.