Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2025

This legislation proposes to repeal the 12-percent Federal retail excise tax on all new heavy trucks, tractors, and trailers, amending the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. This tax, which has been in place since World War I and is the highest percentage rate of any Federal ad valorem excise tax, significantly increases the upfront cost of these vehicles. The bill's findings highlight that the excise tax adds tens of thousands of dollars to the price of new heavy-duty vehicles, thereby discouraging the replacement of older, less environmentally clean, and less fuel-efficient fleets. This financial burden disproportionately affects electric and alternative-fueled trucks, impeding the necessary transition to zero-emission technologies and the adoption of modern safety advancements. By eliminating this tax, the bill aims to accelerate the deployment of newer, cleaner, and safer trucks, which have already demonstrated substantial reductions in carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. The legislation also suggests the need for a more reliable and consistent revenue mechanism for the Highway Trust Fund, as current tax receipts are highly variable. The repeal and conforming amendments would apply to sales and installations made on or after the bill's introduction date.