The American Petroleum Institute (API) recently filed a lawsuit in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) heavy-duty (HD) vehicle emissions standards for model years (MY) 2027-2032. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, National Corn Growers Association, and American Farm Bureau Federation joined API as co-petitioners in the lawsuit.

“Today, we are standing up for consumers who rely on trucks to deliver the goods they use every single day,” API senior VP and general counsel Ryan Meyers said. “The EPA is forcing a switch to technology that simply does not presently exist for these kinds of vehicles – and even if it were someday possible, it will almost certainly have consequences for your average American. This is sadly yet another example of this administration pushing unpopular policy mandates that lack statutory authority, and we look forward to holding them accountable in court.”

In April, the Biden administration finalized new federal emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles (including commercial vehicles). In the final rule, EPA projects that there would need to be a significant deployment of zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) throughout the HD fleet to meet emissions standards. For example, over 40% of vocational vehicles (work trucks) would need to be ZEVs by 2032. Additionally, long-haul tractors (semi-trucks), which currently have no ZEV deployment, would need to go from 0% to 25% of the fleet by 2032.

“Small business truckers make up 96% of trucking and could be regulated out of existence if the EPA’s unworkable heavy-duty rule comes into effect,” Todd Spencer, president of Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, said. “As the voice of over 150,000 small-business truckers, we owe it to our members and every small-business trucker in America to leave no stone unturned in fighting these radical environmental policies.”

“Farmers rely on heavy-duty trucks to transport livestock long distances, and they choose the most efficient routes to ensure the animals in their care remain on the vehicle for as little time as possible,” Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau Federation president, said. “Unfortunately, heavy-duty vehicles that are powered by batteries have short ranges and require hours to charge. Impractical regulations will extend the amount of time on the road, putting the health and safety of drivers and livestock at risk if they need to stop for long periods of time to charge.”