Oregon and Vermont Pause Implementation of Zero-Emission Truck Regulations

In a surprising turn of events, Oregon and Vermont have decided to delay the rollout of laws inspired by California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) initiative due to concerns from stakeholders and changing political climates.

Just days apart, officials in these two states opted against restricting diesel truck sales in favor of electric alternatives. Oregon’s regulations were set to impact trucks from the 2025 model year, while Vermont was gearing up for changes starting with the 2026 models.

The ACT rules established by California Air Resources Board back in 2021 require manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to progressively increase thier zero-emission vehicle sales starting with the upcoming model year. ultimately, they aim for a complete ban on new diesel truck sales by 2036.

This pause has been met with approval from various stakeholders. “It’s great that Oregon is taking a step back on this issue,” remarked jana Jarvis, CEO of the Oregon Trucking Association. “This break will allow time for electric truck technology to develop further.”

Skepticism about the January implementation had been voiced since last year; many warned that it could lead manufacturers to limit or halt diesel truck sales altogether within state lines.

A proposed bill aimed at delaying enforcement until January 1, 2027 didn’t pass initially. However, in May, Leah Feldon from the state Department of Environmental Quality issued guidance halting ACT enforcement promptly for certain vehicle classes if manufacturers show genuine efforts towards zero-emission compliance.....

Feldon noted that current market dynamics are not functioning as intended: “Manufacturers are avoiding delivering internal combustion engine trucks here just to dodge penalties—this isn’t meeting dealer or fleet needs.”

State Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis (R) praised this decision as well: “The DEQ is making a sensible choice that brings relief to numerous businesses facing uncertainty.” She emphasized ongoing issues like inadequate charging infrastructure and high costs associated with electric trucks made these regulations impractical.

In Vermont too, Governor Phil scott took action on may 13 by issuing an executive order pausing ACT implementation until December 31, 2026. This order lifts previous restrictions on internal combustion engine vehicles while acknowledging insufficient technological progress among heavy-duty options.

Scott pointed out how dealers are being pressured into accepting EVs they can’t sell effectively: “We need practicality here; we must let technology catch up before imposing such strict requirements.”

Meanwhile,Washington Trucking Associations is calling for similar suspensions there as well.

Sheri Call from WTA expressed concern over Washington’s adherence to California’s standards despite evident challenges ahead regarding EV trucking infrastructure—especially when charging stations for heavy-duty EVs remain scarce.”With Oregon delaying its plans,” she added,” I-5 truckers will face limited charging options unless we address these gaps.” the lack of funding only exacerbates this situation.

As it stands now—forcing widespread adoption without adequate support simply won’t work.