Learning from the world's first zero-emission truck regulation

The California Air Resources Board's 2020 Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) Rule was a watershed moment for freight electrification and decarbonization. The rule sets the world's first zero-emission vehicle sales requirement for commercial truck manufacturers (requiring 40-75% of sales by 2035 to be zero emission, depending on the class of truck). The ACT pushed the needle forward for clean air and greenhouse gas reductions for freight and trucks - an area where more attention is needed.

To learn from this effort, and to inform the advocacy community, other states, and others considering adopting the ACT, Hovland Consulting conducted research and interviewed policymakers, civil society, environmental justice and community organizations, health groups, businesses, and others and to glean lessons learned from the ACT rule passage.

The involvement of civil society was crucial to see the strong rule - ambition roughly doubled after efforts that included coalition-building, garnering support from environmental justice-focused communities, a campaign and communication strategy, networking, and research by a wide array of stakeholders. Key actions that rose to the top included leaning on research, data, and testimony from allies; building support with board members and decisionmakers; elevating the voices of vulnerable communities; highlighting the health benefits from addressing poor air quality, demonstrating good, clean jobs; and showing utility backing and private sector support. These lessons can be used to further similar programs in other states and countries in support of action on trucks. 

To learn more, please read the executive summary of the report here and contact Val Hovland if you are interested in the full report (confidential to partners).