Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC – Cummins just announced a new electrification brand “Accelera” and a project with Blue Bird that plans to put 1,000 electric school buses on the road in the next 12 to 18 months.
Cummins is still a part of the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, a trade association that has fought for years to delay progress on the transition to electric trucks. The EMA urged the EPA to adopt weak federal NOx standards during the agency’s May 2022 public hearing, though it claims to support strong standards.
The association has also been fighting in numerous states for years to block standards that will accelerate the adoption of electric trucks and buses.
Ford recently left the EMA, and environment, health, and consumer advocacy organizations have been pressuring other members to ditch the organization.
In response, Katherine García, Director of the Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All campaign, released the following statement:
“It’s great to see Cummins supporting the nation’s transition to electric school buses, which are better for our climate, our kids and bus drivers, and the health of our communities. But Cummins’ new brand announcement doesn’t make up for the company’s participation in the problematic Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association. If Cummins is serious about electrification it should step away from the industry group that has for years fought state and federal clean truck regulations.
“A true commitment to a pollution-free future is for all EMA members to follow Ford’s lead and withdraw from the trade group.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.