These rules are part of a national strategy for reducing pollution in areas near major freight routes. California became the first state in 2020 to adopt an advanced clean truck rule. Five other states have since adopted the same policy in order to create a marketplace for zero-emission trucks and buses.
Colorado was ready to join the group in 2020. Polis signed a Memorandum of Understanding with 14 other states and District of Columbia to promote the adoption of electric buses and trucks in 2020. A coalition of state agencies also held several public meetings to get input on its eventual zero emission truck strategy.
According to An update to the state legislatureThe process was intended to assist air commissioners in adopting the clean-trucking rule for August 2022.
The meeting between the administrations and environmental groups was not a success
Will Toor, director of Colorado Energy Office, stated that the delay would allow for the final clean-trucking strategy to be aligned with other efforts to promote electric cars, such as new state programs for electric vehicles and federal infrastructure spending to support more vehicle chargers.
McGrath from the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment explained to attendees that the delay could help the trucking industry get on board with the rulemaking process. He indicated that companies might be more open to the new requirements at year’s end, when global supply chains issues are expected ease.
Aaron Kressig of Western Resource Advocates, the transportation electrification director, said that these points were not clear. He said that the clean truck rule wouldn’t be in effect until 2025 because the state has plenty of time to align the law with other environmental policies as well as work with the industry.
He said that if it isn’t done by the end this calendar year, we lose one year of effectiveness. It pushes everything to the forefront. [Air Quality Control Commission]Calendar a year ago
Multiple environmental groups indicated that they would explore other options for pushing air regulators towards the clean-trucking rule. This includes a petition to force the issue before the November elections.
Polis’ administration maintains that the timeline for completing the project is as aggressive and precise as possible in order to get it right.
CPR News was emailed by Toor to defend the new timeline. He stated that the administration has not committed to adopting clean-trucking regulations in 2022.
Toor said that the Polis administration worked last year with the legislature in order to invest $750million in the electrification cars, trucks, and buses over the next 10 years. In his most recent budget, the Governors Office also proposed a $400m air quality package. This package includes funding for electric school busses.
The months ahead will be crucial for stabilizing global supply chains issues. Major national efforts are underway in areas like producing enough microchips and clean vehicles to our country’s needs. Toor stated that the delay would help the administration coordinate the new regulations better with other agencies. This sequencing was critical to clean transportation rules.
Conor Cahill, spokesperson for the Governors Office, stated that the administration’s timeline is as aggressive and expedient as possible to get it right.
Cahill stated that it is important to have the investment plans in place for transportation electrification companies and to quickly pass Governors Clean Air Package which includes a clean Trucking component to ensure the most robust rulemaking.
The Air Quality Control Commission meeting will likely announce the new timeline. According to A presentationThe state regulators have submitted the rule in advance of meeting. They expect that the rule will be written this year and public hearings held in 2023. The clean-trucking policy will go into effect in 2026.
