States double down on their own measures regardless of federal antics.
Help states and aligned partners keep clean truck progress moving even while waiver authority is contested. Focus on coordination among Section 177 states, state-level incentives and implementation readiness, and pragmatic partnerships that preserve momentum. This strategy doesn’t replace waiver authority, but it reduces the chance that uncertainty turns into a full stall.
Why this works
- Even if federal waivers are curtailed, states can seek alternative pathways: e.g.
- enforce state incentive programs and zero-emission truck purchase targets through legislation or partnership with manufacturers.
- They could form a coalition (as Newsom did with the U.S.
- Climate Alliance states) to coordinate implementation, sending a message that states won’t back down.
- This could include states increasing their own emissions standards (though they’d need a waiver for enforcement) or suing any truck makers who try to avoid compliance under state law.
Sierra Club
AdvocacyExploring, enjoying, and protecting the planet
Mechanism
About LobbyingHow Sierra Club uses funding
- Identify state actions that remain viable and high-impact even when federal authority is contested.
- Convene Section 177 states and aligned partners to share playbooks and coordinate messaging.
- Push for state funding, incentives, and implementation guidance that reduce friction for fleets and communities.
- Partner with supportive businesses and manufacturers to maintain forward motion and visibility.
- Track progress and publish updates that keep pressure on decision-makers and reduce delay narratives.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
State coalition + playbook set
0–30 daysStates and partners align on a shared readiness plan and communications approach.
- 2
Readiness actions launched
1–3 monthsStates advance incentives, guidance, or partnership work that supports implementation.
- 3
Multi-state momentum proof points
3–9 monthsVisible progress and supportive business signals reduce delay narratives.
- 4
Implementation ready on legal clarity
As courts decideStates can move quickly from readiness to enforcement and follow-through.