Hilgers sues truck manufacturers for alleged collusion toward electric transition

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has filed an antitrust lawsuit against major heavy-duty truck manufacturers, accusing them of conspiring to phase out internal-combustion semi-trucks in favor of electric vehicles. The lawsuit, targeting companies such as Daimler, Navistar, Paccar, and Volvo, alleges that the manufacturers colluded through the "Clean Truck Partnership" to restrict the availability of diesel-powered trucks and support California’s stringent electric vehicle mandates.

The Clean Truck Partnership, the lawsuit claims, commits manufacturers to align with state-level regulations like California's Advanced Clean Fleets rule, which bans the sale of internal-combustion trucks. This agreement purportedly remains binding even if courts overturn such regulations. Attorney General Hilgers contends this undermines free market competition and imposes economic burdens on Nebraska.

“Eliminating diesel-powered semi-trucks is practically impossible to accomplish and would impose enormous costs on Nebraska and its companies,” Hilgers stated. He emphasized that the alleged collusion violates antitrust laws, driving up prices, reducing output, and harming Nebraska’s logistics and biofuel industries.

Earlier this year, Hilgers led a 17-state coalition challenging California’s Advanced Clean Fleets rule. The lawsuit asserts that the truck manufacturers' agreement effectively neutralizes the benefits of such challenges, as they have pledged to comply with California’s mandates regardless of legal outcomes.

Co-plaintiffs in the case include the Energy Marketers of America and Renewable Fuels Nebraska, signaling broad concern over the impact on agriculture, biofuels, and transportation sectors. Hilgers vowed to continue opposing what he described as “misguided and anti-democratic policies” that threaten Nebraska’s economy and jobs.

The lawsuit underscores the broader tension between state-led environmental initiatives and industries reliant on traditional fuel technologies, with Nebraska positioning itself as a key opponent of sweeping electric vehicle mandates.