FIRST ON FOX: A free market business group whose legal arm is led by two-time former U.S. Attorney General William Barr has filed a federal lawsuit against California over its climate regulations for phasing out diesel-powered heavy-duty vehicles. The American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce – which was launched in 2022 to fight government regulations – filed the lawsuit this week in the U.S.
adopted the ACF, the most aggressive truck electrification plan of its kind anywhere in the nation, in April 2023. The regulations require operators who manage short-haul tractor trailers, government fleets and 'high priority' fleets to begin transitioning to zero-emissions vehicles this year. 'High priority' fleets are those with more than 50 trucks or are managed by private companies with at least $50 million in revenue.
If people want to buy electric vehicles, then they ought to be free to do so,' AmFree Chamber CEO Gentry Collins told Fox News Digital. 'The substance of our complaint here is not about being opposed to EVs. The substance of our complaint is about being opposed to the mandates.' He noted the higher costs and lower range of electric trucks, which currently represent a tiny share of new truck purchases nationwide.
Bonta's office didn't respond to a request for comment.