Arizona Triumphs Over California’s Controversial Electric-Truck Mandate

By Matthew Holloway |

Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen announced on Wednesday that Arizona, along with fifteen other states, has secured a significant legal victory against California. This settlement addresses the controversial ‘Advanced Clean Fleets’ mandate, which imposed requirements on trucking firms to transition to electric trucks, replacing all diesel models. The agreement was reached with California Attorney General Rob Bonta earlier this week.

Petersen condemned the mandate, labeling it “radical,” noting its potential to severely impact Arizona trucking companies operating in California. He highlighted that compliance could cost firms over $100,000 per vehicle, which would ripple through local economies and ultimately raise prices for consumers.

A report by the International Council on Clean Transportation revealed the financial burden of such regulations. For instance, the Port of Oakland has recently acquired 10 Peterbilt 579EVs for a staggering $5.1 million, averaging approximately $510,000 per truck, excluding maintenance expenses.

“California has operated with near impunity, imposing unconstitutional regulations that harm Arizona consumers,” Petersen stated.

He also directed criticism at Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes for her perceived inaction on the issue. “In the absence of our Attorney General holding California accountable, the Arizona Legislature stepped in to protect our citizens. We are thankful for the coalition of attorneys general who compelled California to retreat from its misguided stance,” Petersen explained.

The Arizona Senate GOP Caucus reported that California regulators are set to initiate proceedings to officially remove the new rule from their regulations. They acknowledged that California’s restrictive 2036 ban on internal-combustion trucks cannot be enforced without obtaining a Clean Air Act preemption waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Citing a lack of action from AG Mayes and the Hobbs administration, Petersen emphasized his commitment to legal challenges, having led or joined over 60 efforts in state and federal courts to uphold the rule of law on behalf of the Arizona Legislature.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.