Rep. Boshart Davis: ECQ must Delay Truck and RV Ban

Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis Calls on ECQ to Delay Truck and RV Ban
By Oregon State Representative Shelly Boshart Davis,

Albany, Ore. – Today, Representative Shelly Boshart Davis sent a letter to the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) asking for a delay in the implementation of the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) rules that will lead to the ban of heavy-duty diesel vehicles in Oregon. This includes RVs, heavy-duty pickup trucks like Ford F-250 and -350, utility vehicles, tow trucks, and semi-trucks.

In November 2021, the EQC adopted the ACT, following in the footsteps of the California Air Resource Board’s (CARB) rules that limit the kinds of vehicles Oregonians can purchase. The first phase of those new regulations takes effect January 1, 2025.

The rules require medium- and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers to sell zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) as a certain percentage of new vehicle sales, beginning with the 2025 model year. RV, pickup truck, and semi-truck manufacturers must increase their zero-emission new truck sales in Oregon year-over-year based on the truck’s size. The ban begins in 2025, requiring between 7-11% (depending on Class size) of sales to be ZEV, and increases in percentage to 100% by 2036.

The letter says in part:

“Given the lack of technological advancements and infrastructure necessary to support this transition, I believe that the implementation of these rules, while well-intentioned, will actually slow the reduction of emissions from the transportation sector while harming local industries and communities who rely on trucks to keep Oregon’s economy moving.”

Due partly to the lack of technological advancement, North Carolina, Connecticut, and Maine have since backed off their commitment to adopt the California standards. Colorado, Maryland, and Rhode Island have also delayed implementation. Federal law allows states that choose to adopt CARB regulations to modify implementation dates, but the substance of the regulations must be identical to California’s.

“Oregon’s climate change policies need to get back in touch with reality,” Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R, Albany) said. “A 100% ban on new diesel pickups, RV’s and semi-trucks by 2036 should alarm everyone. Without immediate action from the EQC, countless everyday Oregonians who rely on essential equipment to make a living will find themselves unable to purchase that equipment. Without action, these regulations will do irreparable harm to Oregon businesses and working people. I urge the EQC to take immediate action and delay these rules.”

You can read the entire letter here.

The EQC is scheduled to meet on November 21 about potential paths forward regarding the ACT rules. See the agenda here.