Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) recently joined Ceres and other leading companies in successfully advocating for state-level policy to accelerate the deployment of and transition to zero-emission trucks and other medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
California’s groundbreaking Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) rule, adopted on June 26, introduces requirements to increase electric truck sales to 30% of total truck sales by 2030 and, eventually, to 100% by 2045. The rule is forecasted to reduce California’s carbon equivalent emissions by 17 million metric tons, add nearly 7,500 new jobs and $300 million to California’s GDP, all while saving $5.9 billion in transportation-related costs, plus an additional $8.9 billion in health costs and $1.7 billion related to avoided greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Last week, 14 other states and Washington D.C. committed to fully transition to zero emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by 2050 with more states expected to join in the coming months.
So, why is LS&Co., an apparel company, advocating for transportation policy? First and foremost, we have been advocating for policy that supports the transition to a low carbon economy for more than a decade. The transition to zero emission trucks aligns with our Climate Action Strategy by way of reducing ground-shipping emissions and reducing fuel costs. In order to rein in greenhouse gas emissions at the rate that is necessary, addressing transportation emissions is critical.
Access to zero-emission trucks will also enable a healthier work environment for our distribution and retail employees who work near docking stations. Trucks are a leading cause of particulate pollution, which causes health ailments including heart and lung disease. These new rules will benefit communities near transportation corridors, urban and industrial areas that experience higher quantities of pollution and associated health impacts. Low-income communities and communities of color are more likely to live in these areas and are therefore disproportionately exposed to the health impacts of truck exhaust.
We’re proud to have played a role in the adoption of these policies and will continue to use our voice to advocate for the transition to a more sustainable, resilient economy. That’s why, today, we’re joining business leaders in writing to Congress to use stimulus legislation to build back better by adopting policies that support and create jobs in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Going forward, we’ll continue to pursue opportunities to advocate for sound, science-based climate policy.
