Press Release: 4/15/2025

Massachusetts Announces Flexibilities for Clean Trucks Requirements

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

4/14/2025

MEDIA CONTACT   

Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications

 Phone

Call Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at (857) 443-1218

 Online

Email Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at lauren.moreschi2@mass.gov

BOSTON — Today, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced enforcement discretion for manufacturers that are unable to meet minimum electric truck sales required under the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) program. Manufacturers that cannot meet those sales requirements will receive relief for Model Years 2025 and 2026, provided they make internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks available to distributors seeking them. This approach gives manufacturers more flexibility and eases the challenges dealers are facing, while keeping the state on track to achieve critically important emissions reductions.

Under the ACT program, manufacturers are required to achieve a certain level of electric truck sales as a percentage of their overall sales. That percentage gradually increases year over year. Manufacturers can average those sales over time and buy and sell credits to meet those requirements. The rule has been adopted in 11 states, including Massachusetts.

Established with input from the manufacturing sector, the ACT rule will improve air quality in Massachusetts communities, while also helping to reduce global warming emissions from the transportation sector. The rule is essential to reducing harmful air pollution, like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which is linked to heart and lung diseases and other harmful health impacts. Frequent vehicle traffic through communities worsens health outcomes for our most vulnerable populations, including children and seniors. Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles account for approximately 25 percent of all transportation-related greenhouse gas pollution.

In addition to making ICE trucks available to dealers, manufacturers must continue investing in their manufacturing and distribution networks to ensure a smooth transition to electric trucks. Massachusetts remains committed to making the transition to electrification work for all and will continue to advance our whole-of-government approach to support this transition in the transportation sector.

For more information on Advanced Clean Trucks and the Low Emission Vehicle program visit here. 

Statement of Support: 

Adam Chapdelaine, Executive Director & CEO, Massachusetts Municipal Association:

“Cities and towns greatly appreciate the MassDEP's exercise of discretion and its recognition of the market forces that are impacting the ACT initiative. Local leaders feel the direct impacts of climate change and share the Commonwealth's commitment to reducing emissions, but also must balance the realities of tight municipal budgets and the need to reliably provide essential services to residents. The flexibility is greatly appreciated as we work toward shared clean energy goals.”