OEMs withdraw lawsuit against CARB over emissions deadlines

Ccj Logo White Headshot

Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Aug. 15, 2022:

Truck, engine manufacturers withdraw CARB lawsuit

Just over two months since filing a lawsuit against the California Air Resources Board over the deadlines for looming emissions requirements for new truck and engine builds, the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) has withdrawn its lawsuit.

EMA said the lawsuit was intended to confirm that CARB is required to provide manufacturers at least four full model years of leadtime before implementing new heavy-duty engine emission standards.

“Congress unambiguously mandated the minimum four full model year leadtime requirement in the Clean Air Act for both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and CARB,” EMA said in an Aug. 11 letter. “EPA has now commenced its review of CARB’s preemption waiver request and held a hearing that included discussion of the leadtime issue. As a result, EMA has chosen to withdraw its lawsuit without prejudice.”

EMA noted that its members support implementation of more stringent emissions standards nationwide.

“EMA filed the lawsuit to achieve clarity and prompt resolution on the leadtime issue -- something all stakeholders should want,” said EMA President Jed R. Mandel. “EMA was never challenging CARB’s independent right to regulate. At the time we filed, EPA had not yet initiated its review of CARB’s request for a waiver. We are pleased that EPA has now solicited public comment and the review process is underway.”

Mandel added that EMA encourages prompt actions from EPA to confirm its four model year leadtime requirement applies to CARB.

Caltrux taps Eric Sauer as new CEO

Eric SauerEric SauerFollowing the departure of Shawn Yadon as the California Trucking Association’s CEO in July, the group has tapped Eric Sauer to lead the organization.

Sauer assumed his new role as the head of the association effective Aug. 8. He has been with the CTA since 2001.   

“Eric is the right leader for CTA,” said Greg Dubuque, CTA’s Chairman of the Board. “His extensive work and knowledge within the association along with his strong leadership skills will help strengthen partnerships, develop strategic alliances and expand both our membership and CTA’s footprint in the trucking industry at both a state and national level.” 

With more than two decades of senior management experience within CTA, Sauer is uniquely equipped with the skillset and institutional knowledge of California’s trucking industry, CTA said in a press release. In his most recent role as senior vice president of government affairs, Sauer oversaw the strategic development and plan execution for CTA’s advocacy and regulatory goals.  “For more than 21 years I have had the privilege of representing and working on behalf of an industry that provides so much to this state,” said Sauer. “I am truly honored to lead our dynamic membership and the talented team we have in place.”

J.B. Hunt, University of Arkansas partnership focuses on future of supply chain

J.B. Hunt President Shelley SimpsonJ.B. Hunt President Shelley Simpson announces the newly named J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management for Walton College to a crowd of employees and University of Arkansas faculty and students.Business WireJ.B. Hunt Transport Services (CCJ Top 250, No. 3) and the University of Arkansas announced the Sam M. Walton College of Business program for studying supply chain, ranked number one by Gartner, has officially been renamed the J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management.

Leadership from both organizations were at J.B. Hunt’s corporate campus Aug. 11 to discuss how their efforts are making northwest Arkansas an epicenter for developing the future of the supply chain and its leaders.

"J.B. Hunt and the University of Arkansas are shaping the future of supply chain, not just in northwest Arkansas, but across the country," said Shelley Simpson, president of J.B. Hunt. "Together, we are preparing future leaders who will grow with the industry to meet evolving supply chain challenges. This will help us achieve our mission of creating the most efficient transportation network in North America, and ultimately the world."

To extend support of their continued collaboration, J.B. Hunt also announced a new $1.5 million commitment to Walton College that will help enhance the development of the J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management.

Since 2017, J.B. Hunt has gifted $7 million to the University of Arkansas to advance innovative, supply chain-focused initiatives, with $5 million of that dedicated to enabling Walton College’s top-ranked supply chain program over the past two years.

J.B. Hunt and the Walton College have jumpstarted numerous initiatives to study factors such as inclusion, sustainability, thought leadership, education and innovation. With a long-term vision of shaping the future of integrated supply chain management, their efforts focus on ensuring the industry has a modern workforce with professionals that can grow with the industry to meet evolving supply chain challenges, blending logistics expertise with advancing technology.

Walton College Dean Matt Waller presented Simpson with a plaque recognizing the department’s new name and the college’s appreciation for J.B. Hunt. The department named after the company will house the undergraduate integrated supply chain management program recently ranked number one in North America by Gartner. The department’s graduate program ranked second.