NTEA and SEMA Challenge California’s EV Mandates in Federal Court
In a major pushback against California’s Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulations, NTEA – The Work Truck Association? and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) have filed a lawsuit seeking to halt the state’s impending electric vehicle mandates. The lawsuit, filed on October 8, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, aims to stop the California Air Resources Board (CARB) from enforcing rules that would essentially ban internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in favor of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
The heart of the issue stems from CARB’s ACF regulation, which would prohibit non-electric vehicles from operating in California—even those registered and purchased out of state. This sweeping mandate includes a wide range of vehicles, from heavy-duty tractors and work trucks to pickup trucks and delivery vehicles. NTEA and SEMA argue that CARB has overstepped its legal boundaries and that the regulation will have devastating effects on industries that rely heavily on work trucks and specialty vehicles.
What’s at Stake?
At the core of the lawsuit is the potential impact on industries like public works, utilities, emergency response, construction, and last-mile delivery. NTEA and SEMA represent thousands of businesses and fleet owners who depend on access to affordable, capable vehicles to keep operations running smoothly. If the ACF regulations go into effect, these businesses may find it difficult, if not impossible, to meet their vehicle needs.
“Work trucks must be available, capable, and affordable,” said NTEA President & CEO Steve Carey. “California’s regulations, if left unchecked, will drastically limit the availability of vehicles that are essential to our members’ operations.”
SEMA President Mike Spagnola echoed these concerns, highlighting the economic impact. “The automotive aftermarket industry contributes $337 billion annually to the U.S. economy, and these regulations threaten to disrupt thousands of small businesses across the country,” Spagnola said.
Legal Arguments
The lawsuit claims that California’s ACF regulations violate both federal and state laws, including the federal Clean Air Act and the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act, which preempt California’s authority over interstate commerce. The NTEA and SEMA also argue that the regulations violate the Dormant Commerce Clause and Equal Protection Clause, unfairly burdening out-of-state businesses.
Additionally, NTEA and SEMA point out that California’s own legislature prohibited CARB from setting vehicle bans like the one proposed by the ACF regulations over 20 years ago.
The lawsuit further claims that the ACF regulations are unconstitutionally vague, making it unclear how businesses are supposed to comply with the rules once they are enforced.
Industry Innovation Under Threat
One of the major concerns raised by NTEA and SEMA is that these mandates could stifle the very innovation that has made the automotive industry a leader in developing cleaner, more efficient vehicles. Both organizations emphasize that they are not against electric vehicles but advocate for a technology-neutral approach that allows for multiple solutions, including alternative fuels and new engine technologies.
“The automotive industry has been at the forefront of developing solutions that reduce emissions while maintaining the performance and affordability businesses rely on,” Carey said. “Forcing one technology as the only solution ignores the diverse needs of the industry.”
Looking Ahead
As the legal battle unfolds, the future of California’s aggressive push toward electric vehicle adoption remains uncertain. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is still reviewing California’s request for a waiver to implement the ACF regulations, and the outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for industries nationwide.
For now, NTEA and SEMA are committed to fighting for their members’ right to access the vehicles they need to support essential industries. As the lawsuit progresses, the debate over how best to balance environmental goals with practical business needs will continue to take center stage.