Calstart aims at helping EPA in lawsuits that challenge Phase 3 GHG regulations

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Trucking News and Briefs for Tuesday, 18 June 2024:

Calstart requests to intervene in litigation challenging EPA’s Phase 3-regulations

Calstart, an organization focused on decarbonizing transportation, has filed a motion for intervention in recent litigations challenging Environmental Protection Agency’s Phase 3 greenhouse gases emissions standards.

Calstart’s Motion to Intervene includes a lawsuit from the Western States Trucking Association, a lawsuit from Warren Peterson (President of the Arizona State Senate), and a lawsuit from Ben Toma (Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives) and the Arizona Trucking Association.

WSTA’s case was filed on May 23 with the Construction Industry Air Quality Coalition and consolidated with two other cases. WSTA’s petition to review the court’s decision on EPA’s Phase 3 GHG rule was similar to the other cases. WSTA and CIAQC filed a “Statement Of Issues” to the court on 30 May, noting that they would raise the following concerns regarding EPA’s final Phase 3 GHG rule:

  • Whether carbon dioxide (CO2) is an “air pollutant” within the meaning of 42 U.S.C. SS 7602, and other provisions of Clean Air Act
  • If the rule violates nondelegation doctrine, which prohibits agencies from exercising unlimited legislative power by an “intelligible principal”
  • Whether the rule violates major questions doctrine, which prohibits agencies from acting without a “clear Congressional Authorization”
  • The rule must be arbitrary, capricious or contrary to law or facts, as defined by 5 U.S.C. SS 706

The groups said they could also request a stay on the rule “to maintain status or rights until the conclusion of the review proceeding.”

Calstart’s request for intervening on behalf of defendants is a “continuation” of its “strong and unwavering support of standards that are mission critical for the clean transport industry,” said Calstart CEO John Boesel. “We have always been vocal about our support of the science-based rulemaking at every phase — and today is not an exception. We are compelled by the fact that these standards are under attack to defend them.

Boesel said that Calstart believes EPA regulations are “a good step in the right directions to get us on a pathway toward 100 percent new zero emission medium- and heavy duty vehicle (MHDV), a goal set in an international memorandum between 36 countries.

[ Related to States challenge the latest EPA and CARB truck emission rules]

Wabash Reefers recalled due to structural issue

Wabash National Corporation recalls certain 2024-2025 RFCVHSC refrigerator van trailers because the base rails can be improperly bonded and detach. This reduces the structural strength of trailer.

According to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, base rails can detach and cause cargo to fall or shift, which could lead to a loss of control of the trailer, increasing the risk of an accident.

Dealers will install a second attachment plate at no charge. Owner notification letters will be mailed on August 4. Owners can reach Wabash Customer Service at 1-765-771-5404. The NHTSA recall number is 24V410.

Autocar recalls severe-duty units due to wheel end issue

Autocar is recalling 1,374 models with severe-duty engines due to a possible wheel end issue.

Model years 2023-’24 ACX(Xpeditor), and DC (Legend), are affected. The axle lock nut could be improperly secured allowing the wheel to separate.

Dealers will inspect, secure or replace lock nuts at no charge. Owner notification letters will be mailed on July 26. Autocar’s customer service can be reached at 1-888-218-3611, with the recall numbers ACX-2402 or DC-2405. The NHTSA recall number is 24V-383.

Small Volvo and Mack recalls due to a problem with the tie rod

Volvo Trucks North America, and Mack Trucks have both recalled a small number trucks due to a problem with the tie rods.

Mack’s recall covers seven models of the 2025 Mack Anthem or Pinnacle. Volvo’s recall covers three Volvo VN trucks from model year 2025.

In affected units, the tie-rod assemblies may contain a ball stud improperly heat treated that can fail and cause a sudden loss in steering control.

Owners should not drive their vehicle until the repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the tie rod ends and replace them if necessary, at no cost to the owner. Owner notification letters will be mailed on July 5. Owners can reach Volvo Trucks Customer Service at 1-800-528-656 with recall number RVXX2404 and Mack Customer Service at 1-800-866-1177 for recall number SC0466.

The NHTSA recall number for the Volvo recall was 24V-423. The recall number for Mack is 24V-424.

[ Related to Numerous recalls across major OEMs]

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