Truckers say ‘no way’ to EVs: Push back against California-style emission rules

Washington’s trucking industry sounded the alarm during a State Senate hearing on Friday, warning that the state’s alignment with California’s emission standards will cripple the region’s long-haul trucking sector.

Truckers testified in support of Senate Bill 5091, a Republican-backed proposal that would sever Washington’s ties to California’s strict vehicle emissions rules.

Supporters argue the bill is a lifeline for truckers drowning under expensive and unrealistic mandates, while opponents contend it would roll back progress on clean air and climate change.

Why Truckers Are Pushing for SB 5091

For businesses that rely on heavy-duty diesel trucks, Washington’s decision to follow California’s emissions standards has been a nightmare. Trucking companies say they’re being forced into an impossible position: buy electric trucks that cost nearly double the price of diesel rigs and don’t go the distance, or take their business elsewhere.

“Class 8 trucks cost about $300,000 today, and they can work an eight- to ten-hour day on a tank of fuel,” Brett Ferullo, owner of Northwest Construction company in Bellevue, said. “An EV truck costs $560,000 and operates half the miles due to its charge. I’ll now have to buy two trucks to do the work of one.”

Barnes added that under California’s clean air rules, the price of an EV truck could skyrocket even further.

“This is not a trade-off of clean air versus profits—the current technology already reduces pollutants by 94 to 98%.”

Steve Gordon, representing Gordon Truck Centers, which operates Freightliner dealerships across the West, echoed similar concerns.

“Anytime you talk to a trucker, it’s a hyper-competitive industry. If you’re going to charge them three times as much for the initial purchase price, you just don’t find a lot of buyers for that,” he said. “Plus, they’re 10,000 pounds heavier. They go one-fifth of the distance. They’re just not quite up for the job today.”

What SB 5091 Would Do

SB 5091 would put the brakes on Washington’s automatic adoption of California’s emissions rules and instead require the state to follow federal standards.

Republicans behind the bill, including its sponsor, Senator Matt Boehnke, argue that Washington shouldn’t be letting California dictate policy, especially when it puts local businesses at a disadvantage.

“This is about restoring Washington’s ability to make its own decisions,” Boehnke said.

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Washington’s History with California’s Emission Standards

For nearly two decades, Washington has voluntarily followed California’s aggressive clean air policies. That decision meant tighter restrictions on pollutants, mandates for low-emission vehicles, and, more recently, a phased transition toward electric and zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).

While California’s rules aim to cut air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, they go far beyond federal requirements. Seventeen states have signed on to follow California’s standards, but Washington Republicans are now pushing to opt out.

Environmental Concerns and Opposition to the Bill

Environmentalists and Democratic lawmakers strongly oppose SB 5091, warning that shifting away from California’s standards would make it harder for Washington to meet its clean air and climate goals.

“Under the federal Clean Air Act, states have the option to either follow federal motor vehicle emission standards or California standards, which are more stringent,” said Joel Creswell, Climate Pollution Reduction Program Manager at the Department of Ecology.

“Washington is one of about 17 states that have adopted California standards. They’ve already reduced air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions from Washington’s transportation sector.”

Creswell warned that repealing California’s stricter rules would hurt Washington’s ability to combat climate change.

“SB 5091 would repeal our mandate to adopt California standards and shift us to less stringent federal standards. This would make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to meet our statutory greenhouse gas reduction mandates and would likely reduce the vehicle models available to Washington consumers.”

What’s Next?

SB 5091 is still early in the legislative process and may not advance this year. The bill had its public hearing on the last day when bills needed to be voted out of committee to stay alive. Some suggest the hearing was simply a formality, allowing Republicans to voice opposition to Democratic-backed climate policies.

For now, Democrats control whether the bill moves forward or stalls indefinitely.

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Matt Markovich often covers the state legislature and public politics for KIRO Newsradio. Follow him on X.

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