Tulare Times

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has decided to withdraw its Advanced Clean Fleets Rule. This rule would have required truck drivers in California to switch from diesel to electric trucks. Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo, representing Tulare, the state's largest agricultural region, expressed her views on this decision.

Macedo stated, "California truck drivers are a pivotal component of the state’s agricultural industry and our state’s supply chain. They transport food from California farms to our grocery stores nationwide. Due to the perishable nature of agriculture products, time is of the essence in the transport of food. Diesel trucks allow this to happen in a timely manner."

She further commented on the potential impact of the policy: "This ill-conceived policy would have put truck drivers – many of whom are from working class communities – out of business. Additionally, this burden on the trucking industry would only contribute to the affordability crisis the State of California is experiencing. Policies such as these fail to take into consideration the financial impact on businesses and consumers."

Macedo concluded with a call for cooperation: "It is time the Governor, CARB and the rest of his Administration work with, instead of against, employers and their workers who are critical to the State’s economy."