The Justice Department filed two lawsuits Friday against the California Air Resources Board (CARB), accusing the agency of illegally attempting to enforce emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks that federal law has already struck down.
The move follows President Donald Trump’s decision two months ago to revoke EPA waivers that previously allowed California to impose stricter environmental rules than those required by the federal government. The lawsuits were announced in a DOJ news release.
“Agreement, Contract, Mandate — It’s Illegal”
According to Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson, CARB tried to skirt the law by creating a so-called “Clean Truck Partnership” with manufacturers.
“Agreement, contract, partnership, mandate — whatever California wants to call it, this unlawful action attempts to undermine federal law,” Gustafson said. “President Donald Trump and Congress have invalidated the Clean Air Act waivers that were the basis for California’s actions. CARB must respect the democratic process and stop enforcing unlawful standards.”
Manufacturers Also Suing California
The DOJ lawsuits come just days after Daimler, Volvo, and other major truck manufacturers filed their own complaints against California, according to CNBC and The Hill. The companies argue the state is improperly demanding compliance with the revoked standards.
“Notwithstanding that new legislation, California continues to demand compliance with its heavy-duty emissions standards,” their case said.
Environmental Groups Push Back
The Sierra Club blasted the lawsuits, saying the action favors wealthy truck manufacturers over public health.
Jack Evans, senior policy strategist for Sierra Club California, argued the DOJ’s action “jeopardizes a commitment that would bring clean air to the communities that need it most.”
“It is disappointing to see major truck manufacturers attempting to back away from their commitments in response to a hostile federal government,” Evans said.
