Trucker Warns of ‘Catastrophic’ Impacts on Trucking Industry from California’s Zero-Emissions Rules

By: Georgia | Published: Apr 15, 2024

Ohio trucker Monte Wiederhold is raising a red flag about California’s zero-emission vehicle standards.

During an appearance on “FOX & Friends First,” he labeled the new regulations as “catastrophic” for both the trucking industry and the entire U.S. supply chain, stressing the severe consequences they could bring.

Zero Emissions? Zero Sense

Monte Wiederhold didn’t mince words when discussing the new emission laws.

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He declared, “There is nothing about this law that makes any sense,” voicing his strong disapproval of the measures he believes could severely disrupt essential trucking routes across the nation.

Court Endorses California's Emission Plans

A federal appellate court has reinforced California’s environmental agenda, affirming the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to allow the state to set its own emission standards.

Multiple lanes of heavy traffic on a California highway, with directional signs overhead indicating routes such as the 101 North Hollywood Freeway and the 110 North to Pasadena, with a clear sky above

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This significant legal backing could inspire similar actions in other states, potentially reshaping national environmental policies.

Warning: Supply Chain Crisis Ahead

Wiederhold spoke of a looming supply chain crisis intensified by these new regulations.

A blue semi-truck with a long trailer driving across a vast, empty parking area with the sun setting in the background, casting a warm glow over the scene with mountains faintly visible in the distance

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He explained, “So, if this mandate comes in, if they go forward with this nonsense, we’re going to be the supply chain crisis on steroids,” suggesting a broad and severe impact.

The Backbone of Trucking Threatened

Most of the trucking industry consists of small operators, and they stand to lose a lot under California’s new standards.

A bird's eye view of numerous semi-trucks parked in tight rows, displaying a variety of white trailers with different colored cabs, and markings visible on top of the trailers in a spacious parking lot

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Wiederhold highlighted that small fleets, which make up “96% of the trucking industry,” are particularly at risk, stressing the potential for widespread economic damage.

A Trucker's Personal Financial Struggle

Discussing his own circumstances, Wiederhold shared that he operates a small fleet.

A bright yellow road train truck with several trailers attached, driving on a desolate highway stretching through a flat and arid landscape, with a cloudy sky above

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“I have a four-truck fleet myself,” he said, illustrating the direct financial impact these new rules could have on small business owners like himself.

The Costly Toll of Going Green

Transitioning to electric could cost the industry billions, Wiederhold argues.

A close-up view of an electric vehicle's charging port, with a charging cable connected and locked in place, set against the car's sleek, gray exterior and the blurred background of the vehicle's body and wheels

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“This thing is going to cost untold millions, billions of dollars that we have no way that we’re going to pay for,” he lamented.

Infrastructure Woes for Electric Vehicles

Wiederhold also brought up the inadequate infrastructure for electric vehicles, especially troubling for long-haul truckers.

A close-up of a yellow electric vehicle charging symbol painted on a concrete parking lot floor,

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He recalled the recent problems faced by electric car drivers in Chicago, predicting even harsher conditions for truckers.

Scarcity of Truck Stops and Charging Stations

The lack of sufficient truck stops already poses a problem, but the shift to electric trucks complicates things further.

A row of electric vehicle charging stations with blue and black handles, marked with numbers and equipped with various connectors, ready for use

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Wiederhold raised concerns about finding enough rest areas and charging points, which are crucial for truckers on long routes.

California's Ambitious Green Goals

Leading the charge on environmental reform, California aims to slash fossil fuel use by 86% by 2045 and ban gasoline-powered new car sales by 2035.

A contrasting scene with a large industrial facility emitting smoke in the foreground and wind turbines spinning in the background under a cloudy sky

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These targets, Wiederhold argues, will drastically change everyday American life.

Predicting a Change in American Lifestyle

Wiederhold offered a stark prediction about the impact of these environmental measures.

Sparse grocery store shelves displaying only a few boxes of instant noodles, with most of the shelf space visibly empty and price tags displayed

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He said, “We’re going to be in some Third World country-type status to where you’re going to go to the store or stand in line, and the shelves are empty,” indicating severe potential disruptions to daily life.

A Turning Point for U.S. Trucking

As California enforces these strict standards, Wiederhold foresees a transformative period for American trucking.

Top-down view of a large truck parking lot with various trucks parked in orderly rows, showing a mix of trailers and cabs in different colors

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He suggests that these new regulations will introduce significant logistical challenges, potentially reshaping the availability of goods and affecting the broader economy.