Call for Delay on New Truck Regulations in New York
Industry leaders and local officials are urging New York Governor Kathy Hochul to reconsider the upcoming truck regulations.
The Advanced Clean Truck regulations, scheduled to be implemented in 2025, mandate that a certain percentage of new trucks sold in New York be zero-emission vehicles, with the required percentage increasing over the subsequent decade.
These regulations were established by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in 2021. However, stakeholders who gathered at a Trucking Association of New York press conference in Cohoes argue that the timeline is unrealistic and poses significant risks to the state’s trucking industry.
At the press conference, Democratic state Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner from the 113th district stressed the need for more preparatory work before the regulations take effect. “We must establish the necessary infrastructure to facilitate this transition and explore interim measures to reduce emissions,” she stated. Woerner suggested that incorporating clean diesel and bio-fuels could help maintain progress while adapting to current conditions.
Democratic state Assemblywoman Pat Fahy from the 109th district emphasized the importance of balancing New York’s economic needs with its climate objectives, noting the challenges posed by the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. “We know progress is possible. However, the current state of readiness is not sufficient,” she said.
Fahy, who is running for state Senate and serves on both the Transportation and Environmental Conservation Committees, pointed out that Massachusetts has already postponed similar regulations, while New Jersey lawmakers have proposed similar delays.
The group is advocating for a delay in the regulations until 2027, aligning with federal mandates for nationwide changes. A DEC spokesperson mentioned they are in discussions with stakeholders to provide flexibility in the original rule and will introduce new regulations that would allow for compliance determinations by March 2029.
Kaitlin Dimmick, co-owner of Dimmick Group Peterbilt, highlighted the financial and logistical challenges of electric trucks, stating, “The cost of an EV truck is around $500,000, compared to $150,000-$200,000 for a comparable diesel truck. While grants exist, qualifying for them can be difficult.” Dimmick also noted the weight and range issues of EVs compared to diesel trucks, which impacts customer willingness to switch.
