PCWA board raises cost reliability concerns over state fleet regulations

The Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors has directed staff to pursue changes to California's Advanced Clean Fleets regulations, citing concerns about the potential multimillion-dollar costs of the state's unfunded mandate and the practical challenges of maintaining reliable water service across a large, geographically diverse service area. At its Oct. 15 meeting, the board reviewed requirements to transition purchases of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles toward zero- or near-zero-emission technology. The regulations affect 71 vehicles across PCWA's water and hydroelectric generation operations. PCWA is among public agencies across California subject to these requirements, which also affect qualifying vehicle fleets operated by cities, counties and special districts statewide. The regulations mandate that the agency replace existing gas- and diesel-powered vehicles with zero- or near-zero emission alternatives, even when many of the current vehicles still have years of useful service life remaining. One potential investment strategy presented to the board totaled approximately $4.8 million through 2029, not including the additional costs of installing charging equipment and upgrading electrical infrastructure at agency facilities. Without state funding to offset these requirements, the vehicle and infrastructure costs will be in the tens of millions of dollars, with the majority in PCWA's Water System and ultimately to be borne by water ratepayers. In addition to the financial impacts, board members raised concerns about whether available electric vehicles can meet the demands of PCWA's operations. Crews travel long distances across a large service area, often navigating mountainous terrain and challenging weather conditions. Vehicle range, charging times and the ability to remain operational during extended workdays and emergencies are critical considerations when responding to water system repairs and maintaining reliable service. The safety of personnel traveling in severe weather must also be considered. "Our customers count on us to deliver reliable water service, and our crews need the right equipment to make that happen safely," said PCWA Board Chair Joshua Alpine. "It is unthinkable that the state would impose this on local governments without consideration of safety and affordability, and without a proven supply chain of compliant vehicles." Concerned about the potential impacts on customers and operations, the board directed staff to pursue regulatory and legislative relief, including outreach to the Governor's Office and state lawmakers, to seek more practical and cost-effective requirements for public utilities.