Why It Matters
The trucking industry faces a regulatory collision course threatening clean freight adoption. Federal emissions standards designed to cut heavy-duty truck emissions by 50 percent face potential repeal by the Trump EPA, while Congressional Republicans have already revoked the EPA’s approval of California’s stricter standards—creating regulatory fragmentation that leaves manufacturers and fleet operators uncertain about compliance requirements.
The Clean Freight Coalition is lobbying amid this chaos because the outcome determines whether the industry transitions to cleaner trucks voluntarily or through mandates. Legislative solutions could involve federal excise tax repeal to make cleaner vehicles affordable, infrastructure investments for charging networks, or carbon pricing mechanisms that incentivize emissions reductions without prescriptive mandates.
By the Numbers
The Clean Freight Coalition began lobbying in August 2023, filing 11 disclosures and spending $625,000—roughly $56,800 per quarter.
In the last quarter of 2025 the coalition paid Mullen Consulting LLC $62,500 for lobbying services. The coalition has exclusively retained Mullen since inception, leveraging the firm’s transportation policy expertise through clients like the Transportation Intermediaries Association and Stevens Trucking Co.
The coalition maintains narrow focus on "clean trucking initiatives" and clean freight transportation policy.
The Agenda
The Clean Freight Coalition lobbies exclusively on transportation issues through Mullen Consulting LLC.
The Coalition operates amid intense congressional conflict over EPA Phase 3 greenhouse gas standards and California’s stricter regulations. Republicans push legislation like the Freedom to Haul Act and Transportation Freedom Act to block regulations, while Democrats defend them as essential for public health.
The Coalition also supports bipartisan industry priorities. The Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act would repeal the 12 percent federal excise tax on new heavy-duty trucks, which industry argues discourages fleet modernization. The Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging Grant Program Act addresses infrastructure barriers.
Broader Context
Congress battles over heavy-duty truck emissions as the Trump EPA proposes repealing vehicle emissions regulations entirely. Congress passed resolutions revoking EPA waivers for California’s stricter standards, fragmenting the regulatory landscape.
Despite regulatory uncertainty, the clean truck market booms. Global zero-emission truck sales reached 89,000 units in H1 2025, up 136% year-over-year, while the U.S. electric truck market grew from $3.97 billion to $4.71 billion. DOE invested $68 million in heavy-duty EV charging, with 3,200+ locations operational nationwide.
Cost barriers persist, with high electricity costs stalling fleet electrification. Industry’s priority remains repealing the 12 percent federal excise tax adding $20,000+ to vehicle costs.
Between The Lines
Republican-led efforts advance aggressively. The Freedom to Haul Act would prohibit EPA Phase 3 implementation, while the Transportation Freedom Act would repeal existing standards. House Rules held hearings on Congressional Disapproval Resolutions targeting California’s standards.
House Energy Republicans and Sen. Kevin Cramer characterize EPA standards as a "de facto ban" crushing rural economies. Rep. Doris Matsui defends California’s standards for public health.
Bipartisan cracks exist—Rep. Jared Golden, a Maine Democrat, voted to overturn regulations, signaling rural district concerns.
Competitive Landscape
The Coalition operates within a crowded lobbying ecosystem. The Truckload Carriers Association lobbies on identical Phase 3 standards and California regulations. Manufacturers PACCAR Inc. and Volvo Group North America engage substantially on Phase 3 standards and the federal excise tax.
The Coalition’s positioning as an "alliance committed to a clean energy future" differs from traditional associations focused on regulatory rollback, potentially maintaining credibility across partisan divides.
The Bottom Line
The Coalition paid Mullen Consulting $62,500 in the last quarter of 2025 to navigate a sharply divided Congress. Republicans move to repeal EPA emissions standards through Congressional Review Act resolutions while Democrats defend regulations. The regulatory landscape remains volatile, with Trump EPA proposing to eliminate vehicle emissions standards while California retains stricter authority.
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