Massachusetts has postponed enforcing a rule requiring truck manufacturers to sell a minimum percentage of electric vehicles by two years, frustrating environmentalists who argue that stronger state action on climate is necessary due to lack of federal leadership. The trucking industry has applauded the move, citing insufficient demand and infrastructure for electric trucks. Environmental advocates, however, warn that this decision will hinder Massachusetts’ climate goals and prolong exposure to harmful emissions for residents.
The Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which Massachusetts adopted from California, mandates that manufacturers of medium and heavy-duty trucks sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission vehicles starting in 2025. Initially, the state was set to enforce fines beginning in 2025, requiring seven percent of trucks and tractors sold to be electric vehicles. The percentages were to increase annually until more than half of the trucks sold were electric.
“We’re very disappointed to see Massachusetts, considered a climate leader, kowtowing to truck manufacturers,” said Emily Green, a senior attorney at the Conservation Law Foundation. “Delaying enforcement of this regulation will make it more difficult for Massachusetts to comply with its binding climate limits.”
The state’s Department of Environmental Protection cited manufacturer restrictions on diesel truck supplies unless dealers agreed to purchase certain electric truck quantities as a reason for the delay. The current federal administration’s policies have created uncertainty around zero-emission vehicle incentives, charging infrastructure, manufacturing, and tariffs, further complicating the transition.
While truck manufacturers had previously agreed to meet the requirements when California developed the rule, they now argue that high costs and lack of charging infrastructure make compliance unfeasible. Kevin Weeks, executive director of the Trucking Association of Massachusetts, supported the decision to delay, stating that range, battery, and cost issues make electric trucks impractical at present.
Environmental advocates counter that state-level climate policy is crucial as the federal administration rolls back environmental protections. “This is a moment where states should stand up to the federal government rather than doing their work for them,” said Anna Vanderspek of Green Energy Consumers Alliance. Delaying the rule’s enforcement could weaken the Clean Air Act and its provisions.
Vehicle emissions from trucks significantly impact public health. An analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists estimated that delaying the Advanced Clean Trucks rule enforcement to 2027 would result in $97.2 to $127.8 million in health-related costs in Massachusetts due to increased emergency room visits and lost school days from asthma.
The transportation sector accounts for about 40 percent of Massachusetts’ greenhouse gas emissions. Medium and heavy-duty trucks, making up seven percent of registered vehicles, contribute disproportionately to nitrogen oxide (46 percent), fine particulate matter (40 percent), and global warming emissions (20 percent). Experts warn that fossil fuel-powered truck emissions lead to various adverse health outcomes, particularly affecting lower-income and minority communities near busy roadways.
Environmentalists fear that Massachusetts’ decision may set a precedent for other states, potentially delaying the benefits of the rule by two years. While some flexibility was built into the Advanced Clean Trucks rule through a credit system to aid compliance, environmental advocates argue that delaying enforcement injects uncertainty into the electric vehicle market and reduces the incentive for manufacturers to comply.
“The government is investing to support this market, and there are many models of these vehicles working well today,” said Jason Mathers of the Environmental Defense Fund. “It’s achievable with current infrastructure and technology.” Environmental advocates maintain that continuing to enforce climate policies at the state level is crucial during periods of federal rollback.
