Numerous states request EPA to reject California's waiver, which imposes electric standards on out-of-state trucks.

A group of twenty-four states submitted a formal "comment letter" to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in opposition to California's request for a waiver that would enforce strict emissions standards on visiting truckers in Sacramento.

Any trucking company with 50 or more vehicles or $50 million in gross annual revenue will be required to start replacing their fleets with electric rigs by 2025.

California trucks with out-of-state tags that operate in the Golden State for at least one day per year must comply with the rules.

Patrick Morrisey, West Virginia's Attorney General, stated that the move would unfairly grant California control over other states and emphasized how the state's economy heavily depends on big rig commerce due to its rugged and landlocked nature.

Over 85% of Mountaineer communities depend on trucks for their goods delivery, and the state has invested heavily in expanding its Robert C. Byrd Appalachian Highway System by constructing broad, multi-lane trucking routes that traverse rugged terrain, making it hazardous for tractor-trailers.

According to Morrisey, the state's GOP nominee for governor, over 65,000 tons of goods are transported daily through West Virginia.

The allegation made by petitioners is that California's strict regulations on access to its state and ports will impose an excessive burden on commerce.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers stated that California does not have the legal authority to impose its electric truck mandate across the country.

Hilgers urged the Biden-Harris administration to prioritize the rule of law over its ambitious climate agenda and to lift California's ban on internal-combustion trucks. Electric trucks are inefficient and expensive, and will negatively impact Nebraskans by increasing the costs of interstate transportation, raising prices for goods, reducing demand for biofuels, and putting a strain on the electric power grid.

Some of California's reasoning for the standards was challenged by Hilgers and his signatories.

The letter argues that California's air quality is unique and justifies the Advanced Clean Fleets policy. However, by using state and federal ambient air quality standards, California only demonstrates that its severe air pollution conditions are common throughout the country.

The letter pointed out that federal law does not allow the state or government to prohibit the use of internal-combustion vehicles entirely. Additionally, it emphasized the importance of California's role as a global trade center and shared the concerns of other state attorneys general about the potential restriction of diesel-powered trucks' access in the future.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares stated that California is using its ports to force the entire nation to comply with an extreme environmental agenda.

Miyares, another signatory to the letter, characterized California's impending policy as an "export of economic turmoil."

Miyares stated that the chaos has been causing harm to American industries and increasing costs for families nationwide.

"The other 49 states should not be disadvantaged by the federal government's preference for California."

Private trucking companies have also joined the opposition to the proposed waiver, in addition to state governments.

Officials at the American Trucking Associations vehemently oppose what they consider to be "unreachable" regulations.

ATA President Chris Spear stated that the destructive rule sets unrealistic targets and timelines, causing confusion on the West Coast and threatening to disrupt the supply chain nationwide.

Spear urged the EPA to reject the waiver in order to safeguard our supply chain and promote a cleaner future.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond stated that the mandate is excessive and would cause significant harm to the fossil fuels industry, leading to chaos in the supply line from coast to coast.

Drummond, another signatory, stated that the far-left climate agenda being promoted by California should not be permitted to disrupt the rest of the United States. In essence, it is the dog being controlled by its tail.

The California Air Resources Board, founded in the 1960s to address Los Angeles' smog crisis, was contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for comment on the regulations it has spearheaded.

Planet Chronicle Digital also reached out to the EPA and CARB for comment.