CARB to consider further changes to Advanced Clean Fleets regulation

By Damon Conklin, legislative advocate (transportation), and Brian Hendershot, Cal Cities Advocate managing editor

Cal Cities is urging the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to make it easier for cities to comply with its Advanced Clean Fleets regulation. The agency is accepting public comments through Sep. 15, in advance of a Sept. 25 meeting.

The rule took effect on Jan. 1, 2024, after years of debate and proceedings. It requires all cities to obtain a 100% zero-emission vehicle fleet - including street sweepers, cement trucks, and other large vehicles - by 2035. While earlier iterations of this mandate were draconian, Cal Cities secured several waivers and extensions for cities.

CARB began walking back parts of the regulation earlier this year when it became clear that conflicts with federal law put the rule in danger. Soon after, President Donald Trump signed three resolutions terminating federal waivers needed to enact parts of the regulation. These actions had a chilling effect on zero-emission vehicle manufacturing and sales - right as the state began investing heavily in a now more limited stock of zero-emission vehicles.

September's meeting comes in response to AB 1594 (Garcia, 2023), which requires CARB to revise the regulation to ease compliance for energy providers and other public utilities. Cal Cities is urging CARB to include cities in these amendments, which would make it easier for cities to replace traditional utility-specialized vehicles at the end of their life to maintain reliable service and respond to major events.

Cal Cities is also arguing that while the regulations are open, CARB should consider several other changes, including removing a purchase requirement for waivers, providing a list of market-ready vehicles, and extending the timeline to acquire a 100% zero-emission fleet.

Members should also provide comments about any compliance challenges that they are experiencing. A sample letter is available online.