Problem Solvers: Truck manufacturer with Madras testing office says sales could stall due to Oregon’s emission standards
(Update: Adding video)
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The manufacturer Daimler Truck, which has a headquarters in Portland and a testing office in Madras, is pushing back against the state's ambitious clean truck mandate, warning that a lack of infrastructure and sky-high costs could lead to stagnant sales.
Oregon’s effort to lead the nation in environmental responsibility is facing new uncertainty after recent federal action. The state’s Advanced Clean Trucks Rule — or ACT — requires truck manufacturers to steadily increase zero-emission sales, part of its broader push to reduce greenhouse gases. But those efforts may now be in jeopardy following new steps by the Trump administration.
In 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued what’s known as the “Endangerment Finding,” identifying six greenhouse gases — including carbon dioxide and methane — as threats to public health under the Clean Air Act. That finding gave states the authority to create stricter emission standards of their own.
Fast forward to 2021, when Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) adopted California’s ACT Rule. It requires zero-emission medium and heavy-duty trucks to phase in starting with 2025 models.
Now that 2025 has arrived, truck manufacturers are pushing back. Daimler Truck emailed Governor Tina Kotek, stating, “Due to the lack of infrastructure and cost in the Class 8 space, we don’t anticipate sales in Oregon to support selling this new truck in any significant quantity.” Premier Truck called the rule “unrealistic” and “financially catastrophic.”
Gerik Kransky, with Oregon’s DEQ, said vehicles remain a major source of pollution statewide. “Pollution from the tailpipes of cars and trucks accounts for nearly 35% of Oregon’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Federal vehicle standards have been a central driver in reducing pollution while spurring the development and availability of cleaner technologies.”
State Representative Emerson Levy supports the shift toward electric trucks, but told The Problem Solvers, “The only way for our state to manage the cost of new charging infrastructure would be with a federal partner — and right now, we don’t have a trusted partner in the federal government for clean energy.”
The Oregon Business and Industry group also voiced opposition, stating the ACT Rule “places Oregon businesses at an economic disadvantage without producing either positive environmental or economic outcomes.”
Kransky said Oregon planned for a gradual rollout. “We’re investing $34 million in grants and incentives this year to help fleets replace older diesel trucks with cleaner technologies, and we’ll keep supporting that transition.”
Governor Tina Kotek blamed the federal rollback for threatening Oregon’s progress. “The Trump administration has made it clear they’re willing to jeopardize our environment by walking back on financial commitments to states,” she said.
In January, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Unleashing American Energy,” directing the EPA to review the 2009 Endangerment Finding. Then in June, the administration overturned California’s Clean Air Act waivers, removing states’ authority to enforce rules like Oregon’s ACT standard.
By July 29, the EPA proposed rescinding the Endangerment Finding altogether, arguing that the original science was flawed. Daimler Truck responded, saying, “The legal foundation for enforcing the ACT Rule has been eliminated.”
However, DEQ maintains that Oregon’s emission regulations remain in effect. “For model years 2025 and 2026, there will be no penalties if manufacturers can’t meet their zero-emission delivery requirements. We’ll keep working with fleets to make sure these rules stay on the books,” the agency stated.
Experts warn that if the Endangerment Finding is rescinded, U.S. emissions could decline far more slowly in the years ahead.
