California has decided to halt its plans for the shift to zero-emission commercial vehicles, withdrawing a request for a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The details: This decision affects the Advanced Clean Fleets rule that aimed to push the trucking industry toward electric vehicles in the coming decades.

• The original plan would have required port trucking to transition by 2035 and long-distance trucking by 2042.
• New York, New Jersey, and Washington had already started adopting similar principles inspired by California's initial proposal.

Many in the trucking community were relieved, as the mandates were seen as potential threats to interstate commerce with significant operational constraints.

What they're saying: "The withdrawal is an important step given the uncertainty presented by the incoming administration," explained CARB Chair Liane Randolph, emphasizing the challenges with the changing political landscape.

The California Trucking Association had previously challenged the regulation, leading to its delay and eventual withdrawal, reported Reuters.

The withdrawal was done ahead of an expected denial from the incoming administration, which has openly opposed California’s environmental initiatives.