California Repeals Electric Truck Mandate Following Federal Opposition

California has repealed its zero-emission purchasing rule for private trucking fleets, marking a significant setback to the state's aggressive efforts to mandate electric vehicle adoption in the trucking sector. This repeal followed the Trump administration's revocation of federal waivers and mandates that supported California's stricter-than-federal emissions standards, effectively upending the state's strategy. Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta plan to challenge these federal actions in court, asserting California's authority to regulate emissions. Industry stakeholders suggest that a shift from mandates to incentives and infrastructure investment may better support electric truck adoption, emphasizing the need for more charging stations and financial programs for small businesses. The move reflects the broader political and regulatory tensions between California's environmental goals and the Trump administration's rollback of Biden-era EV policies. Despite the repeal, California continues to promote electric vehicle goals, though challenges remain in meeting ambitious targets amid federal opposition and market development hurdles.