American Trucking Associations, Inc. v. City of Los Angeles
Citation: American Trucking Associations, Inc. v. City of Los Angeles, 133 S. Ct. 2096 (2013)
Topic: Air Pollution
Type of action: Amicus Brief in Civil Litigation
States involved: California
Responding to civil litigation from environmental groups, the Port of Los Angeles adopted a plan to reduce diesel emissions and air quality from trucks. The Clean Trucks Program included higher diesel emissions standards, a requirement that owners of the trucks be responsible for maintenance, and certain parking and placard requirements. Shortly after it was adopted, the American Trucking Associations challenged the plan on various grounds. The case has a complex procedural history that bounced between the district court, Ninth Circuit, and eventually the Supreme Court. Once the case reached the Ninth Circuit, the California Attorney General became involved, filing an amicus brief on behalf of the City of Los Angeles defending the Clean Trucks Program. The Supreme Court heard a narrow portion of the case in 2013, holding unanimously that the placard and parking requirements of the plan were preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act. The majority of the plan, including the emissions standards and maintenance requirements, remained in tact.
Key documents:
- California AG Press Release on Ninth Circuit Amicus Brief
- Ninth Circuit Amicus Brief
- Ninth Circuit Decision
- Supreme Court Decision
Additional Resources:
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