On Dec. 18 a coalition of leaders, including State Senator Joe Nguyễn, local officials, labor leaders, and public health experts, gathered to celebrate the significant strides made by Washington State’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) program. This initiative, along with historic investments from both government and private sectors, is set to revolutionize the state's approach to zero-emission heavy-duty trucks, aiming to cut diesel pollution, enhance public health, and boost the clean energy economy.

Speakers at the event highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the ACT program and recent clean transportation investments. These efforts are not only reducing harmful diesel emissions but also supporting well-paying union jobs and improving air quality in the Puget Sound region. The call to action was clear: state leaders must continue and expand these initiatives for a cleaner, more prosperous future.

State Senator Joe Nguyễn, Chair of the Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, emphasized the dual benefits of the program. “Washington’s future is tied to clean transportation. With the Advanced Clean Trucks program, we’re not just reducing pollution and improving the health of our communities—we're also creating good-paying jobs and driving economic growth,” said Nguyễn. “We must continue to lead on climate action while ensuring economic opportunity for all.”

Nicole Grant, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of MLK Labor and member of IBEW 46, underscored the positive impact on local workers. “The clean energy economy isn’t just a climate win—it’s a key part of our economic engine,” said Grant. “Electric truck infrastructure projects mean thousands of sustainable, family-supporting union jobs here in Washington, offering new career paths and boosting local businesses.”

Dr. Claire Richards, PhD, RN, and a member of the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, spoke on the public health benefits. “Reducing diesel emissions is a public health imperative. We can draw a direct line between air pollution reduction and improved health outcomes in our communities,” said Dr. Richards. “Cleaner air means fewer asthma attacks, less respiratory disease, and a healthier future for our children, especially in communities hit hardest by pollution and disproportionately affected by environmental hazards.”

In closing, speakers urged state leaders to fully implement the Advanced Clean Trucks program and ensure long-term investments in both environmental and economic health.

This celebration marks a pivotal moment in Washington’s journey towards a cleaner, healthier, and more economically vibrant future.