CARB Drops Waiver Request for ACF: What It Means for Fleet Managers

CARB, or the California Air Resources Board, recently withdrew its request to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a waiver and authorization for the addition of the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation to its emission control program. In the absence of this waiver, CARB is currently evaluating alternative strategies to enhance air quality and reduce pollutants that negatively affect health and climate change. This withdrawal by CARB effectively stalls the enforcement of the emissions and fuel efficiency standards under ACF, which had a stated goal of achieving a fully zero-emissions medium and heavy-duty vehicle fleet in California by 2035. Please understand that the fleet reporting requirements set forth in ACF are not impacted by this withdrawal. Visit the ACF website for additional information on this update.
Here’s what fleet managers should know:
- Other Programs Going Strong: Despite the withdrawal of the ACF rule, California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation remains in effect, requiring manufacturers to gradually increase sales of zero-emission trucks. However, there is currently no mandate for fleets to purchase these trucks due to the paused ACF ruling. Other efforts like CARB’s Clean Truck Check (CTC) and California’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) are still on track. Aiming to ban sales of gas-only vehicles by 2035, ACC II will impact manufacturers and consumers alike, with more stringent emissions standards being placed on non-ZEV vehicles and changes in inventory expected to start in 2026.
- Help with Electrification: Wheels is still here to help California customers with their plans to switch to electric vehicles (EVs), no matter what happens with ACF. This includes helping you get the vehicles and building the EV infrastructure you need.
If you would like guidance and support in your efforts to understand, absorb, and take necessary steps to prepare for these changes, we are here to help. Please reach out to a member of your Wheels Account Team who will connect you with our subject matter experts.