New Multi-State Agreement on Zero-Emission Trucks and Buses is Major Step for Clean Air

(BOSTON) States representing about one-third of the U.S. truck sales just agreed to the largest cross-state collaborative for deployment of zero-emission trucks and buses. Under the agreement, fifteen states and the District of Columbia will develop plans that could decarbonize their trucking industries to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gases.

“Pollution from heavy diesel trucks causes serious health problems for people nationwide. Investing in zero-emission trucking is the key to solving this problem. Americans living with these impacts are literally sick of waiting. It’s times for fleets, manufacturers and states to embrace ambitious plans for the adoption of electric vehicles.”

• Jason Mathers, Director, Vehicles and Freight Strategy

This initiative has the potential to ignite the market for clean transportation by accelerating demand for electric trucks and buses. EDF urges the states to adopt action plans that transition 100% of new trucks and buses to zero-emission models by 2040 – a goal that would cut pollution, create jobs and address environmental injustices.

Medium- and heavy-duty trucks are a major source of air pollution, often concentrated near freight corridors located in disadvantaged communities.

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington, as well as D.C., signed the agreement entitled Multi-State Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle.