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How the election could impact tariffs, emissions for trucking

Nov. 4, 2024
The election could have long-reaching consequences for trucking depending on the victor. Here's a breakdown on what this means based on two key issues for trucking—tariffs and emissions.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have diverging visions for America's future. While there is a long path from campaign statement to law, the winning candidate's policies could have massive repercussions for trucking through the rest of the decade.

The next administration will make key decisions impacting EPA emissions regulations, the California Air Resources Board's power, cross-border trucking operations, and more.

Emissions regulations in the crosshairs

The winning president's environmental policies will have a clear impact for the trucking industry: whether carriers (and their equipment) will be burdened by greater or weaker emissions rules.

“The different approaches to environmental policy could be one of the most impactful for the trucking industry,” Prasad Sharma, partner at Scopelitis and general counsel for the Truckload Carriers Association, told FleetOwner.

The next presidential administration will effectively control EPA rulemaking, granting control over enforcement of regulations like the GHG3 Phase 3 emissions rule for heavy-duty vehicles or CARB waivers. The economic cost of trucking’s electrification could be to the tune of roughly $1 trillion, according to the Clean Freight Coalition.

The president has a broad (and disputed) authority to enact taxes on imports or exports, called tariffs. Both parties broadly support tariffs on imports. Still, tariffs could be one of the most impactful parts of the 2024 election for trucking.

About the Author

Jeremy Wolfe | Editor

Editor Jeremy Wolfe joined the FleetOwner team in February 2024. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with majors in English and Philosophy. He previously served as Editor for Endeavor Business Media's Water Group publications.

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