Regulation Bans Diesel Motorhome Sales In Six States
In a sweeping move driven by California's climate policies, diesel motorhome sales are set to face restrictions in multiple states starting next year.
Following the California Air Resources Board (CARB)'s recent amendments to its Advanced Clean Truck regulations, diesel motorhomes that don’t meet strict emission standards will no longer be eligible for sale or registration in California, Washington, Oregon, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. CARB’s new rule requires all vehicles over 8,500 pounds to be zero-emission, a mandate aimed at tackling heavy-duty vehicle emissions in line with California's broader green agenda.
The immediate impact for RV owners and prospective buyers is significant: motorhomes that fail to meet the zero-emission threshold won’t be allowed on the market in these states, nor will they be eligible for registration. With motorhomes often weighing well over the 8,500-pound limit, diesel and other traditionally fueled models are directly affected by this mandate. This shift marks a bold step toward reshaping not only the RV industry but also personal vehicle emissions standards across several major states.
California’s ambitious push for green energy isn’t limited to the motorhome sector. The state recently made headlines with other environmental initiatives, including a lawsuit against Chevron and other oil companies to address climate change damages and a groundbreaking corporate emissions disclosure law aimed at holding businesses accountable for their carbon footprint.
The result, however, has also been higher fuel prices for Californians, as refiners and fuel suppliers pass on the costs of compliance to consumers.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration’s national climate strategy is steering a parallel course, with new policies focused on bolstering electric vehicle (EV) adoption. In March, the administration introduced a stringent tailpipe emissions rule targeting 67% EV and hybrid sales in light-duty vehicles by 2032.
Additionally, Biden’s ambitious goal to establish 500,000 public EV charging stations by 2030 aims to build a backbone for the transition away from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles.
However, progress on this front has been slower than expected, as the rollout of charging infrastructure faces logistical hurdles, and American automakers like Toyota have voiced concerns. Jack Hollis, Toyota North America’s COO, recently criticized the standards for EV adoption as "impossible" and warned of insufficient consumer demand to support such rapid changes.
As states embrace CARB’s stricter emissions rules, industries beyond the automotive sector are bracing for the implications. The RV industry, long dependent on diesel engines for power and reliability, faces a daunting transition as manufacturers now scramble to meet zero-emission standards. While some consumers are enthusiastic about sustainable options, many worry that the high costs and logistical challenges of electric alternatives could reduce access to motorhomes and limit the freedom RVs have traditionally offered.