Trucking Association of New York Seeks Delay in Clean Truck Regulations

NEW YORK STATE (WRGB) — The Trucking Association of New York is urging the state to delay the implementation of its “Advance Clean Trucking Regulations.” This initiative, referred to as ACT, requires manufacturers of medium to heavy-duty vehicles, including semis, to gradually increase sales of electric trucks.

The ACT program, initially established in California, obligates trucking firms to steadily raise the percentage of zero-emission vehicle sales every year. For light-duty vehicles, manufacturers need to ensure that at least 55 percent of their sales are zero-emission models by the model year 2035, with stricter percentages for various truck categories.

The Trucking Association of New York highlights that the state has not met its obligations to enhance charging infrastructure, which has led them to request additional flexibility in enforcement.

Kendra Hems, the association’s president, stated, “Unfortunately, despite all of our progress, the ACT regulations will only hinder our ability to continue making sustainable investments and may lead to older, less efficient trucks staying on the road.”

In contrast, Massachusetts, another state that has adopted the ACT framework, has recently announced a postponement of enforcement to give the trucking sector more time to acclimate to the changes.

Both New York and Massachusetts are part of a group of eleven states that have embraced the ACT program, highlighting a growing movement towards zero-emission vehicles in transportation.

This appeal by the Trucking Association reflects ongoing concerns in the industry regarding readiness and compliance with new regulations while aiming for a more sustainable future.