Legislative Republicans are calling on Gov. Gavin Newson to delay his Advanced Clean Fleets Mandate that requires big rigs in California to be all-electric by 2045.
District Assemblyman Tom Lackey’s legislative letter to the governor was sent after eastbound Interstate 80 was closed for 16 hours when a fully electric Tesla Semi truck caught fire near Emigrant Gap in Northern California.
The Tesla Semi crashed and triggered a hazardous materials incident after the battery ignited and sparked a fire that emitted toxic fumes, authorities said.
The Tesla’s battery burned at around 1,000 degrees, and firefighters used "thousands and thousands" of gallons of water as they attempted to cool the wreckage, CHP Officer Jason Lyman told KCRA-TV.
Firefighters had to wait for the lithium-ion batteries to die and burn themselves out and cool to a temperature of 100 degrees. Toxic fumes from the battery also presented a danger if inhaled, Lyman said.
The letter also referenced the July 26 incident when a diesel truck hauling six “lithium iron” batteries caught fire north of Baker on I-15.
The fire led to a full freeway shutdown for nearly two days and caused a nearly 50-mile backup on I-40 in Southern California.
Newsom's September 2020 executive order mandates that medium and heavy vehicles be zero-emission by 2045, and drayage trucks at the state's ports by 2035.
Drayage is the transport of freight from an ocean port to a destination. It’s also often described as the process of transporting goods over short distances, aka “The first mile," according to Next Trucking.
The letter
State legislative leaders posed tough questions for Newsom, including: What would happen should more lithium battery fires break out on California highways?
“If one diesel truck carrying six batteries can shut down a major highway for 48 hours, what will happen when the highways are swarming with electric trucks powered by these batteries?” the letter stated.
Unlike when a diesel truck catches fire, it is impossible to extinguish an electric vehicle fire. It is more catastrophic, fire officials stated.
Moreover, the batteries in an electric truck can weigh up to 16,000 pounds —making removal of the disabled truck difficult at best. The road has to remain closed until it burns out, the letter said.
Thermal runaway can also cause the fire to spread rapidly and emit toxic gasses.
“The massive shutdown of a California interstate illustrates that the state of California is not ready for your Advanced Clean Fleets mandate,” the letter stated.
Other questions to Newsom included:
- Does his administration have a plan for responding to electric truck fires?
- What strategies will be used to prevent extended road closures?
- Will Caltrans coordinate with local officials to help stranded motorists?
- Should another lithium-ion battery fire occur, how does Newsom’s administration plan to protect surrounding communities from toxic fumes?
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'Ill-conceived mandate'
Public safety is not the only concern with this “ill-conceived mandate," the letter stated.
With its sweeping requirements, many employers and residents in the state will be negatively impacted. Hence we ask that you delay your implementation of your Advanced Clean Fleet Mandate, the letter stated.
Along with the letter, Lackey took to X to state that both freeway closures not only prevented motorists from traveling but our economy was also impacted.
“The goods movement was also shut down,” Lackey posted to X. “CA must delay the Advance Clean Fleets Mandate until the state infrastructure is prepared.
The letter to Newsom was signed by Lackey, as well as 20 legislative members, including Sen. Scott Wilk from Senate District 21, and Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa-Bogh from Senate District 23.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: California legislators ask Gov. Newsom to delay 'ill-conceived' all-electric truck mandate
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