(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – California GOP lawmakers sounded the alarm as they urged Governor Gavin Newsom to delay his Advanced Clean Fleets mandate, which demands that all medium- and heavy-duty trucks in the state go electric by 2045.
This call comes after an incident last month when a semi-trailer truck carrying lithium-ion batteries overturned and caught fire on Interstate 15 in San Bernardino County.
The blaze shut down the interstate for two days, starting on July 26, trapping motorists in 109-degree heat near Baker, California.
Republican legislators sent a letter to Newsom, arguing that California is not ready for the electric-vehicle mandate, which became law in October 2023.
The mandate stems from Newsom’s 2020 executive order and was developed by the California Air Resources Board, the agency responsible for reducing air pollution.
Despite efforts by the San Bernardino County Fire Department and other agencies, they could not put out the fire.
When water hits lithium batteries, it can release toxic fumes and risk thermal runaway, making it impossible to extinguish. As a result, first responders had to let the fire burn out on its own.
Additionally, California state representative Tom Lackey in the letter wrote, “Unlike when a diesel truck catches fire, it is basically impossible to extinguish an electric vehicle fire.”
“Moreover, the batteries in an electric truck can weigh up to 16,000 pounds — making the removal of the disabled truck difficult at best. So the road has to remain closed until it burns out,” he continued.
Furthermore, the 21 lawmakers asked if Newsom has a plan for handling electric-truck fires and preventing extended road closures. They also questioned whether there was a strategy for protecting nearby communities from toxic gas in the event of such a fire.
“Public safety is not the only concern with this ill-conceived mandate,” the Republican lawmakers wrote. “With its sweeping requirements, many employers and residents in the state will be negatively impacted. Hence, we ask that you delay the implementation of your Advanced Clean Fleets mandate.”
California plans to ban the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars and light trucks by 2035, along with transitioning all semi-trailers to electric by 2045 as part of its move to zero-emission vehicles. Drayage trucks, which haul shipping containers to the state’s ports, will have to make the switch by 2035.
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