By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters). Several U.S. environmental group and UAW union sued to prevent the U.S. from buying next-generation delivery vehicles. The Postal Service (USPS), which plans to purchase mainly gas-powered delivery vehicles of the next generation, claims it has not complied with environmental regulations.

CleanAirNow and Sierra Club were among those who challenged USPS’s plan before the U.S. District Court, San Francisco. The United Auto Workers (UAW), Natural Resources Defense Council and United Auto Workers union claimed they had also filed a challenge on the same legal ground.

As many Democrats have asked, the White House and Environmental Protection Agency have requested that USPS reconsider.

USPS reported in March that it placed an initial order of $2.98B for 50,000 Oshkosh next-generation delivery cars (NYSE:) Corp – which was more than double the amount of its electric vehicle plans.

USPS stated Thursday that in its response to these suits, it had done a “rigorous and thorough review” and had fully fulfilled all environmental laws.

According to the suits, the contract was made based upon an environmental analysis that was illegally flawed. This occurred after the USPS had decided on its plans.

USPS stated previously that it anticipates the vehicles to begin arriving on carriers’ routes by late 2023.

USPS in Oshkosh announced on February 20, 2021 a contract worth $482 Million. The USPS also said that Oshkosh could purchase up to 165,000 vehicles for $6 billion over 10 years.

Many 30-year-old USPS vehicles that were not equipped with airbags and safety equipment will be replaced by the modern models.

UAW members and other U.S. legislators have criticized USPS/Oshkosh’s decision to construct the cars in South Carolina by non-union workers, rather than in a UAW-represented facility in Wisconsin.