Update on CARB’s Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) act waiver withdrawal
January 24, 2025
On January 14, 2025, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced an update regarding the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) act. CARB withdrew its request for a preemption waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This waiver, if approved, would have allowed California to enforce key components of the ACF regulation.
What Is the ACF and what would it have required?
The ACF regulation was aimed at reducing emissions by requiring certain fleets to transition towards zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs). Specifically, it targeted fleets operating in California with 50 or more vehicles over 8,500 pounds. Fleet operators covered under ACF would have been required to include ZEVs in their inventory and report their fleet data annually.
What does this mean for fleet operators?
Without the EPA preemption waiver, CARB cannot enforce the most impactful parts of the ACF regulation. For fleet operators, this means that there are no requirements to report vehicle inventory or to meet specified targets for incorporating ZEVs—unless you're operating a California state or local government fleet. State and local government fleets remain obligated to comply with ACF requirements.
It’s important to note that this update is specific to the ACF regulation and does not impact other regulations where waivers have already been granted by the EPA like Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II), Omnibus waiver for low-Nox regulations for heavy-duty vehicle engines, etc. Fleet operators should continue to monitor state and local legislation.
Where can you learn more?
For more information on the ACF and the waiver update, you can visit the official ACF page here: ACF Waiver Update.
As strategic advisors, Element stays informed about regulations that may impact your fleet operations. We’re here to help guide you through these dynamic regulatory developments with clarity and confidence. Reach out to us if you have any questions or need support.
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