Nebraska AG Sues Semitruck Manufacturers

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has taken legal action against prominent semitruck manufacturers, accusing them of violating antitrust laws.

At a Glance

Four major semitruck manufacturers are facing Nebraska’s antitrust claims.
The lawsuit challenges an agreement with California on zero-emission trucks.
Nebraska accuses these companies of collusion in phasing out fossil fuel-powered trucks.
The state seeks to nullify this agreement nationwide.

Nebraska’s Stand Against Truck Manufacturers

Nebraska has filed an antitrust lawsuit against four leading manufacturers: Daimler, Navistar, Paccar Inc., and Volvo. These companies face accusations of colluding with California regulators to push for zero-emission trucks. Hilgers argues this collusion drives out fossil fuel trucks, violating antitrust laws. He highlights the near-monopoly these manufacturers have given that they account for nearly all U.S. heavy-duty truck sales.

Nebraska, joined by Energy Marketers of America and Renewable Fuels Nebraska, seeks to void this agreement nationwide, preventing its enactment in their state. Hilgers aims to protect Nebraska’s trucking industry from California’s clean truck mandates, emphasizing the current infeasibility of electric trucks due to a lack of infrastructure and reliance on long-haul deliveries.

Nebraska seeks to “tear up” a contract among four truck manufacturers to increase EVs and comply with California emissions rules.

From @ZachWendling2 https://t.co/niNGCEAJ8Z

— Nebraska Examiner (@NE_Examiner) November 20, 2024

The Allegations and Their Impacts

This lawsuit challenges the agreement requiring manufacturers to maximize zero-emission truck sales in states adopting California’s regulations. Hilgers claims this unjustly raises prices for conventional trucks, forcing an impractical shift to electric vehicles. The lawsuit is part of Nebraska’s broader efforts against federal and California mandates that compel zero-emission vehicles.

The Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association plans to defend against these claims. They assert the allegations lack merit. As the lawsuit progresses, it highlights Nebraska’s commitment to fighting mandates deemed damaging to its logistics sector and broader economy.

The Broader Picture of Emission Regulations

The dispute underscores tensions between states like Nebraska and California over emission standards. California aims for substantial electrification of heavy-duty trucks by 2035 and full zero-emission operations by 2045. Hilgers argues that such targets neglect the current logistical and infrastructural realities faced by states like Nebraska

This lawsuit represents a significant move by Nebraska to protect state interests against federal and other states’ aggressive environmental policies. As this legal battle unfolds, its outcome could influence emission policy discussions nationwide.