California Trucking Group Urges Governor to Engage Stakeholders in Freight Plan
The California Trucking Association has urged Gov. Jerry Brown to closely collaborate with freight and industry stakeholders on a plan meant to shift to zero-emissions technologies and help boost freight connectivity along the state’s commercial network.
“As the state contemplates more costly new emissions targets, it must consider the economic impact to the trucking industry,” the association wrote on July 17. “Trucking is currently, and is projected to remain, the primary mode of goods movement in California.”
The association noted the trucking industry already is working on reducing emissions, investing more than $7 billion on clean technologies in recent years.
The group’s statement came shortly after Brown (D) issued an executive order calling on several agencies to come up with a plan by July 2016 that sets “clear targets to improve freight efficiency,” transitions toward zero-emissions technologies and enhances the competitiveness of the overall freight system.
“Policies and investments of state transportation and environmental agencies can influence California’s freight system to become more efficient, competitive and environmentally sustainable,” according to the executive order.
The agencies tasked with developing the plan include the California State Transportation Agency, the California Environmental Protection Agency, the Natural Resources Agency, the California Air Resources Board, the California Department of Transportation, the California Energy Commission and the Office of Business and Economic Development.
