Department of Justice Takes Action Against CARB
The Department of Justice (DOJ) initiated two federal lawsuits this week targeting the California Air Resources Board (CARB), accusing it of unlawfully enforcing emissions regulations for heavy-duty trucks.
Details of the Lawsuits
These lawsuits, lodged in the Eastern District of California and the Northern District of Illinois, focus on CARB’s Clean Truck Partnership (CTP) with manufacturers of trucks and engines, as stated in a DOJ announcement.
Industry Response
This legal action follows a lawsuit from major industry players including Daimler Truck, Paccar, Volvo Group, and International Motors, which was filed against CARB earlier this week seeking relief from California’s heavy-duty emissions standards and CTP obligations.
Federal Claims
Federal prosecutors argue that the CTP agreement improperly enforces emissions regulations that were recently invalidated by President Donald Trump, who reversed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waivers for CARB’s Low-NOx Omnibus and Advanced Clean Trucks rules. According to the Clean Air Act, states are not permitted to set their own vehicle emissions standards without an EPA waiver.
Statements from the DOJ
“No matter the label—agreement, contract, partnership, or mandate—California’s actions are an attempt to override federal law,” said Adam Gustafson, the acting assistant attorney general of the DOJ’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “President Trump and Congress have invalidated the Clean Air Act waivers that form the basis of California’s actions. CARB must adhere to the democratic process and cease enforcing these illegal standards.”
Addressing Additional Standards
An accompanying filing in the U.S. Court of Appeals also tackles California’s light-duty vehicle standards, which officials argue are equally preempted.
Conclusion
This ongoing legal battle underscores significant tensions between federal and state regulations on emissions and illustrates the complexities involved in environmental policy enforcement.
