The trucking industry is expressing optimism about the direction of the auto sector under President Trump, contrasting it with the Biden administration's perceived neglect. JKC Trucking's co-owner and vice president, Mike Kucharski, shared this sentiment in an interview, stating that the new administration offers hope for resolving pressing industry challenges.
A key point of contention revolves around California's stringent emissions standards, particularly the Advanced Clean Trucks regulation. This regulation, previously granted a waiver by the Biden administration, mandates increased sales of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks. The EPA's recent submission of this waiver to Congress for review has sparked hope within the trucking industry that these standards might be overturned. Kucharski argues that California's regulations shouldn't dictate national policy and emphasizes the need for universally applicable technologies.
While supportive of environmentally friendly alternatives, Kucharski highlights the lack of infrastructure to support such stringent mandates, referencing the 2023 California heatwave as an example of the strain on the power grid. He also questions the feasibility of charging a large fleet of electric trucks, given current technological limitations.
Furthermore, Kucharski points out the financial burden imposed by California's standards, particularly in the wake of the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He expresses hope that the Trump administration can alleviate these financial pressures and revitalize the economy.
Looking ahead, Kucharski identifies three key areas where truckers seek action from the Trump administration: reducing overregulation, lowering diesel costs, and achieving energy independence.
