Amid Governor Newsom’s promises to “Trump proof” California, his environmental agency buckles, withdraws remaining requests for waivers that would have allowed the state to enact emissions limits that exceed federal standards
Washington D.C. – The American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce (AmFree) issued the following statement after California withdrew its outstanding waivers that would have allowed the implementation of its controversial Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation and ban of combustion engine truck engines:
“Rather than stand and argue their case on its merits, Governor Newsom’s California Air Resources Board (CARB) took their ball and went home,” said Gentry Collins, AmFree Chamber CEO. “With the end of this illegal scheme, common sense and free enterprise prevailed, and consumers and businesses were spared the crippling impact of an electric truck mandate. Make no mistake: no amount of bluster from Governor Newsom should be able to undermine the rule of law and force reckless and illegal policies on an unwilling electorate.”
In April 2024, AmFree filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California challenging the ACF regulation.
If allowed to move forward, the ACF would have forced trucking fleets in California and around the country to transition to so-called zero-emission vehicles starting in 2024. It would have applied to fleets of moderate or large size, even if most of their vehicles operate outside of California or their income is earned elsewhere.
About AmFree Chamber
The American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce (AmFree Chamber) is a trade organization representing American businesses of all sizes in all 50 states. It is dedicated to advancing the principles of free enterprise, free markets, limited government, and American leadership globally. AmFree Chamber is chaired by the Honorable Terry E. Branstad, who previously served as Ambassador to China and was the longest serving Governor in American history.
AmFree Chamber’s Center for Legal Action focuses on combatting administrative overregulation both through agency proceedings and in litigation and is chaired by two-time former U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr.
AmFree Chamber has members representing dozens of industries and from across the United States. Since its founding in 2022, AmFree Chamber has aggressively represented its members’ interests through legislative outreach, regulatory comments, and judicial briefing.