Nebraska AG sues truck manufacturers, says they’re colluding to limit supply of diesel semis

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska filed a lawsuit Tuesday against heavy-duty truck manufacturers, claiming that they are colluding to force a switch to electric vehicles.

Attorney General Mike Hilgers said the companies have agreed to abide by restrictions on diesel emissions by California and other states, even if the courts strike down those regulations.

The lawsuit targets Daimler, Navistar, Paccar, Volvo and the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association.

It claims they have conspired to reduce the output of internal combustion semitrailer-trucks to protect their bottom line.

SEE ALSO: ‘Beyond comprehension’: Nebraska sues California over EV trucking mandate

In May, Hilgers sued California over its regulations, which would require companies doing business there to switch to zero-emission vehicles by 2025.

He said eliminating diesel-powered semis would increase costs for consumers and businesses because electric trucks can’t haul as much.

“Unfortunately, these heavy-duty truck manufacturers, who dominate the market in Nebraska, have agreed to go along with California’s edict — even if Nebraska is successful in overturning the regulation,” Hilgers said in a press release. “These manufacturers’ collusion will raise prices, reduce output, increase costs on Nebraskans, and is a classic antitrust violation.”