Colorado to introduce new rules for zero-emission trucks

The Colorado Air Quality Commission has introduced two rules to encourage the transportation industry to switch to zero-emission trucks.

 The Commission adopted two rules: the Advanced Clean Trucks rule and the Low NOx Truck rule.

The Advanced Clean Trucks rule sets the sales standard for manufacturers to make more zero-emission trucks in Colorado, according to the commission’s statement.

The rule takes effect from 2027, with the standard percentage of sales gradually increasing through the 2035 model year. This rule will only apply to medium and heavy duty truck manufacturers and does not affect agricultural or off-highway construction vehicles.

The Low NOx Truck Rule sets stricter emission standards for large trucks, improves engine testing requirements and extends warranties. It comes into force for trucks starting with the 2027 model year.

Most trucks run on diesel, which produces more nitrogen oxide emissions than gas-powered vehicles. The rule lowers the nitrogen oxide emission standard for new cars by 90% compared to the current standard.

The Commission also changed its large entity reporting rule, which only applies to operators with 20 or more trucks. It is now expected to collect data twice. First deadline is November 30, 2024 Second deadline is December 31, 2027.

The Zero Emissions Truck Regulations are designed to help achieve the goals of Colorado’s Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap, announced in January 2021. The state legislature in 2019 set goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 2025 by at least 26%, emissions in 2030 by at least 50%.

The federal government is offering a commercial clean car loan to businesses that buy qualified clean air trucks. The maximum credit is $40,000 for an eligible vehicle over 14,000 pounds gross weight. That’s $7,500 for qualifying vehicles rated under 14,000 pounds.

Colorado is the eighth state to follow California’s lead in adopting the Advanced Clean Trucks rule.