For laundry operators in the U.S., change is coming. Across a wide swath of the country—with California leading the way—in the coming decade, regulatory mandates will likely require linen, uniform and facility services companies to phase out internal-combustion engines in favor of zero-emission fleet vehicles. Fifteen other states, including Colorado, Connecticut and New York, have pledged to adopt California’s standard as promulgated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

TRANSITION CENTRAL—CALIFORNIA

Of course, technological or economic conditions, plus electoral changes, could fuel delays or revisions of these policies. But for operators like Noël Richardson of Shasta Linen Supply ...