California’s vehicle emissions standards could potentially be implemented in Illinois as well. An Illinois state legislator has put forward a proposal that aims to restrict the types of trucks that the trucking industry can utilize.
State Representative Edgar Gonzalez, Jr., a Democrat from Chicago, recently proposed House Bill 1634, which aims to implement California’s vehicle emissions standards in Illinois. The bill has garnered significant attention, with approximately 3,800 individuals opposing it, while around 540 individuals are in favor of the proposed legislation.
According to Matt Hart, the Executive Director of the Illinois Trucking Association, the trucking industry in Illinois is responsible for delivering 95% of the manufactured freight in the state.
The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association and the California Trucking Association have both filed lawsuits challenging similar legislation. Hart stated that they anticipate taking legal action in Illinois if Gonzalez’s bill is enacted.
According to Hart, it is not feasible for a state to subject itself, along with its laws and policies, to the authority of an agency located over 2,000 miles away.
The bill states that when California modifies its vehicle emissions standards, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is required to update Illinois regulations within six months as set by the California EPA.
According to Hart, any action that raises costs or hinders the ability of the trucking industry to deliver will have a direct impact on every citizen in Illinois.
According to Hart, it is surprising that not many people are aware of the significant achievement made by the trucking industry in reducing carbon emissions by 98% in the past thirty years.
“We are determined to reach our goal of closing that 2% gap in the industry, but it will take time and the use of existing technology. Our focus is on delivering the goods and ensuring that we can continue to do so,” he emphasized.
According to Hart, the Illinois Trucking Association has taken the lead in opposing HB1634. They aim to enlighten lawmakers in the Energy and Environment Committee, where the bill is currently being considered, about the significant progress the industry has made in reducing carbon emissions.
State Representatives Janet Yang Rohr and Bob Morgan, both Democrats, have introduced a measure aimed at restricting the types of trucks that can be used in the trucking industry.
According to Hart, the availability of electric trucks is extremely limited. He recently contacted a truck dealership and discovered that they had only sold a total of four electric trucks, with two of them being shipped to California.
According to Hart, the vehicles are not available, the charging infrastructure is lacking, and the price is definitely not affordable.
According to Hart, electric trucks come with a hefty price tag of around $480,000, whereas their diesel-powered counterparts cost approximately $200,000. Additionally, the chargers required for electric trucks amount to about $112,000. Hart also highlights the various negative consequences associated with mandating the use of these vehicles.
According to Hart, the increase in truck weights will result in more trucks on the road, leading to increased congestion. He questions whether people really want their roadways in Chicago to have 34% more trucks and deal with the accompanying traffic. Hart believes that this will not be well-received by the public.
According to a study conducted by the American Transportation Research Institute, it would require an additional 34% of electric trucks to transport the same quantity of goods as the current trucking industry.
Despite repeated attempts to reach out to Gonzalez, The Center Square did not receive any response. Morgan, on the other hand, chose not to provide any comment.
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