On January 9th, Governor Gavin Newsom introduced his proposed 2026–27 budget plan, setting the stage for the state’s policy and spending priorities in the coming year. While the proposal seeks to address California’s ongoing fiscal challenges, it nevertheless misses an important opportunity to invest in immediate emission‑reduction strategies that would help keep the state on track to improve air quality. This omission is especially concerning as California enters a period in which meeting federal clean‑air standards is becoming increasingly difficult and regulatory direction for fleets remains uncertain.

In response, Nicole Rice, President of the California Renewable Transportation Alliance (CRTA), issued the following statement:

“At a time when California faces Clean Air Act challenges, regulatory uncertainty, and risks to future federal transportation funding—this budget misses a critical opportunity to invest in solutions that deliver immediate air quality benefits,” said Nicole Rice.

“CRTA has consistently called for a balanced clean truck transition—pairing long-term zero-emission goals with proven technologies that can cut emissions now. Low-NOx combustion trucks—capable of achieving 50 mg or less NOx emissions—are commercially available, cost-effective, and essential to sustain near-term progress, support fleet turnover, and protect public health.”

“The absence of targeted funding for these proven technologies risks slowing momentum in communities that can least afford delays. A balanced investment strategy would provide certainty for fleets, advance health objectives, and maintain the competitiveness of California’s goods movement sector.”

To engage policymakers in definitive solutions following the budget release, CRTA—joined by 15 partner organizations including local governments, clean transportation advocates, waste and recycling companies, and renewable energy providers—submitted a formal request to the Legislature seeking a $100 million appropriation to accelerate deployment of low-NOx heavy‑duty combustion trucks. As outlined in the coalition’s letter, this investment would:

• Deploy more than 1,300 low-NOx trucks statewide.
• Deliver immediate, measurable NOx reductions, especially in the highest‑polluting vehicle classes.
• Support fleets struggling with regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure barriers, and high compliance costs.
• Protect disadvantaged communities located along freight corridors, ports, railyards, and major highways.

At a time when zero‑emission truck adoption is slowed by affordability, regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure, and operational constraints, low-NOx trucks provide a critical near-term option that maintains momentum toward clean air attainment.

Why NOx Matters.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are among the most harmful emissions produced by heavy‑duty diesel trucks. They contribute to:

• Smog and ground-level ozone, worsening air quality and triggering federal non‑attainment penalties.
• Respiratory and cardiovascular illness, including asthma attacks, chronic bronchitis, and heart disease.
• Disproportionate health burdens in low‑income and frontline communities located near transportation corridors.

California’s own data shows that Class 7–8 diesel trucks make up just 12% of the truck population but nearly 50% of transportation-related NOx emissions. Without immediate action, CARB projects a net increase of 175 tons of NOx by 2037, jeopardizing clean-air progress and exposing the state to billions in federal sanctions risk. Reducing NOx isn’t just an environmental priority, it’s a public health necessity, especially for communities that have waited too long for relief.

Seizing the Opportunity.
California has a long history of pairing visionary environmental targets with practical, near‑term solutions. Low‑NOx trucks powered by renewable fuels—many of which already operate in cities, counties, ports, and waste fleets—represent precisely this kind of solution.

With a $100 million investment, the Legislature can:

• Cut NOx pollution immediately using proven, commercially available technology.
• Prevent diesel from becoming the default choice during this mid‑transition phase.
• Maintain progress toward zero‑emission goals while infrastructure builds out.
• Protect federal transportation funding tied to Clean Air Act compliance.
• Deliver clean-air benefits where they are needed most—without further delay.

California has a choice in this moment. We can either risk backsliding and prolonging pollution in the communities that suffer the most, or we can seize the opportunity to drive down harmful emissions today while continuing the long-term transition to zero-emission trucking.

CRTA urges legislative leaders to choose swift, practical, measurable action that saves lives, strengthens fleets, and keeps California on the path to cleaner air and a healthier future.