Nebraska has filed an antitrust lawsuit against four of the nation’s largest semitruck manufacturers—Daimler, Navistar, Paccar Inc., and Volvo—over an agreement made with California regulators in 2023 to transition toward zero-emission trucks. Announced by Attorney General Mike Hilgers on Tuesday, the lawsuit challenges the agreement, which was signed with the California Air Resources Board, requiring manufacturers to prioritize selling zero-emission trucks in states adopting California’s advanced clean truck regulations.
The Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, along with the four manufacturers, committed to the pact, agreeing to adhere to its provisions regardless of whether the outlined standards survive future legal challenges. Hilgers’ office has labeled the agreement as “collusion” and “an industry-wide conspiracy” to phase out fossil fuel-powered semitrucks. The lawsuit alleges this will lead to reduced production of conventional trucks, forcing Nebraska trucking companies to bear increased costs and subsidize the transition to electric vehicles, even in states that have not adopted California’s regulations.
The manufacturers, who collectively control nearly 100% of the U.S. heavy-duty truck market, are accused of wielding “monopoly power” and violating Nebraska’s consumer protection and antitrust laws. Nebraska is joined in the suit by Energy Marketers of America and Renewable Fuels Nebraska, organizations advocating for the state’s ethanol and fuel industries. The lawsuit, filed in Lincoln County District Court, seeks to nullify the agreement nationwide and protect Nebraska from its alleged impacts, such as reduced semitruck output and increased costs for logistics companies.
Hilgers emphasized the challenges Nebraska faces with electric trucks, citing the absence of charging stations and the reliance of rural towns on long-haul shipments that current electric truck technology cannot meet. This marks the latest effort by Hilgers to shield Nebraska’s trucking industry from zero-emission mandates. Earlier this year, Nebraska joined a 16-state coalition opposing California regulations requiring trucking fleets to transition to electric vehicles.
Responding to the lawsuit, Jed Mandel, president of the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, stated that the allegations lack merit and the group plans to defend itself vigorously. While Daimler, Paccar Inc., and Navistar declined to comment, Volvo has not yet responded. Hilgers reiterated that the agreement could raise costs and put logistics companies out of business, marking it as a clear violation of antitrust laws.
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