Attorney General Hilgers has initiated an antitrust lawsuit against major heavy-duty truck manufacturers, accusing them of conspiring to limit the availability of internal-combustion semi-trucks in favor of electric alternatives. This legal action follows California's implementation of regulations aimed at phasing out semi-trucks with internal combustion engines, which several other states have also adopted.
According to Attorney General Hilgers, rather than opposing these regulations or competing in the market, the truck manufacturers allegedly collaborated through an agreement known as the "Clean Truck Partnership." This agreement reportedly commits the manufacturers not to resist additional state-level mandates for electric trucks and to collectively reduce the production of diesel-powered semi-trucks, even if a court deems such regulations unlawful.
"Eliminating diesel-powered semi-trucks is practically impossible to accomplish and would impose enormous costs on Nebraska and Nebraska companies," stated Attorney General Hilgers. He further expressed concern that this alleged collusion by truck manufacturers could lead to increased prices and reduced output, which he considers a "classic antitrust violation."
Earlier this year, Hilgers led a coalition of 17 states challenging California's Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, which bans the sale of internal-combustion trucks. The lawsuit claims that under the Clean Truck Partnership, manufacturers have agreed to comply with such mandates regardless of Nebraska's legal challenge outcome.
"The logistics industry is a foundational piece of Nebraska’s economy—from employing thousands of Nebraskans to ensuring that Nebraska’s agriculture and liquid fuel products can get to purchasers around the country and world," said Attorney General Hilgers. He emphasized his commitment to opposing policies he views as detrimental to Nebraska's trucking and biofuel sectors.
The lawsuit names Daimler, Navistar, Paccar, Volvo, and the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association as defendants. Co-plaintiffs include Energy Marketers of America and Renewable Fuels Nebraska.