On April 30, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on resolutions to overturn two major California emissions mandates, including the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule and the Low NOx Omnibus Rule—the latter of which directly affects Pennsylvania truckers. PMTA strongly supports this move to rein in California’s influence over national trucking policy and restore regulatory certainty for the industry.

More than two decades ago, Pennsylvania adopted California’s heavy-duty Low NOx rule when it closely aligned with EPA standards. Currently, nine other states follow this rule as well. But as CARB has dramatically tightened emissions and warranty requirements, Pennsylvania is now locked into costly, complex regulations with no ability to reassess. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) suspended enforcement of the rule in late 2021 after PMTA members pushed back on its unnecessary and excessive costs for trucking companies and dealers. The suspension was scheduled to end in 2023 but was extended by DEP until model year 2027, which is when much more stringent (and expensive) NOx and particulate matter standards are set to take effect.

PMTA and three member companies are currently challenging this rule in PA's Commonwealth court, and PMTA also backs legislation to repeal Pennsylvania’s automatic adoption of CARB’s ever-changing mandates.

The U.S. House vote is a significant step forward. Should the resolution pass the Senate and be signed by President Trump, it would prevent PA from enforcing CARB's NOx Omnibus rule in 2027 -- or ever again. It also signals growing national concern over California’s outsized role in shaping emissions policy. States that have adopted the ACT Rule (11 currently, though some have delayed implementation) are struggling with supply issues for trucks even now. This vote sends a clear message: the trucking industry cannot be governed by one state’s agenda.

PMTA has also taken a proactive approach to emissions reduction in the industry, rather than focusing on enforcing unrealistic mandates. The association was key to helping introduce the Near-Zero Emission Truck Incentive Program (SB 147), sponsored by PA Sen. Rosemary Brown, to support practical emissions reductions through voluntary upgrades to newer diesel technology in Pennsylvania. Trucks produced today emit 99% less NOx and particulate matter than those manufactured just a few decades ago, and a fleet of 60 of today's trucks produce the same emissions as one truck from 1988. This commonsense solution stands in contrast to the one-size-fits-all electric mandates being pushed elsewhere.

Both resolutions must be considered by the U.S. Senate within the next two weeks and, if approved, be signed by the President to take effect. This latest action in Congress reinforces that the tide of unrealistic mandates may be turning—and that the trucking industry's advocacy, though PMTA and its national partners--clearly has an impact.