A coalition of 24 states, led by Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, has signed a brief against a federal mandate requiring the increased sales of electric semi trucks. The mandate, introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), would require 60% of new urban delivery trucks and 25% of long-haul trucks sold by 2032 to be electric. 

Hilgers, joined by attorneys general from 23 other states, filed the legal brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, aiming to prevent the Biden-Harris Administration from enforcing the mandate. Hilgers argued that the EPA’s actions overreach the agency’s authority, stating, “Once again, the Biden-Harris Administration’s radical climate agenda will harm Americans.” The states argue that Congress, not a federal agency, should be responsible for making such sweeping changes to the transportation industry, as reported by The Center Square. 

The attorneys general also raised concerns about the costs associated with this mandate. Estimates suggest that upgrading the nation’s electrical grid to support these electric trucks could cost utilities $370 billion, while the investment in charging infrastructure would be around $620 billion. 

 Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill echoed these concerns, arguing that the mandate would, “only raise prices even more for industries and consumers throughout our state and country.”