Environment

States follow California’s lead on clean car and truck rules

Eight states, through rulemaking or legislation, took similar actions this year.
Traffic moves on the Golden Gate Bridge as seen from the Golden Gate Overlook in San Francisco, California, on Friday, May 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

California’s clean car and truck rules are spurring other states to act, as they seek to bring down greenhouse gas emissions, reduce vehicle pollution and hasten the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

The state, which takes the lead in environmental policy, received federal permission in March to enact its Advanced Clean Trucks rule that requires an increasing percentage of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks and other large vehicles be sold beginning in 2024. By 2035, the rule stipulates that 55% of new trucks sold weighing between 8,500 and 14,000 lbs. be zero-emitting. 

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