Free market trade organization sues California over EV truck mandate

The American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit this week to block California’s electric semi truck mandate.

California’s Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) requires fleet operators to phase out internal-combustion trucks and replace them with battery-powered fleets, beginning in 2024. The rule has been criticized for putting smaller operators out of business, straining the electricity grid, and driving up the costs of nearly all consumer goods.

“The ability to move people and products reliably and affordably is foundational to free enterprise and a functioning marketplace that serves American consumers,” AmFree Chamber CEO Gentry Collins said in a statement.

According to the lawsuit, the ACF is illegal because California hasn’t obtained a waiver for a Clean Air Act, which is required for the state to adopt emissions policies over those of the Environmental Protection Agency.