Truckers in New York Seek Delay on New Regulations
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A group of truck drivers in New York are appealing to state lawmakers to reconsider upcoming regulations set to be enforced next year.
The truckers claim that Albany has established goals that are unrealistic and beyond their current capabilities. This issue centers around the state’s advanced clean truck regulations, introduced in 2021, which mandate that a certain percentage of trucks sold in New York by 2025 must be “zero-emission vehicles.”
This percentage is expected to increase annually for the next ten years. During a meeting on Thursday, representatives from the trucking industry voiced their concerns and requested alterations to these requirements.
While refueling in Cheektowaga, truck driver Tyrone Stinson expressed skepticism regarding the new regulations. “It’s just not feasible,” he stated, explaining that the cost of transitioning to electric systems is prohibitive. He believes that diesel fuel remains a more efficient option for keeping the industry operational.
Stinson also highlighted the challenges associated with charging electric trucks, noting that tight delivery schedules mean truckers have limited time. “If it takes one or two hours to charge, that’s time the truck is just sitting there,” he elaborated. Additionally, he raised concerns about the performance of electric trucks in winter conditions.
The Trucking Association of New York, along with industry members, reiterated these worries during their Thursday meeting and appealed for a revision of the timeline and regulations. Kendra Hems, President of the Trucking Association, pointed out that while they support the shift towards zero emissions, New York’s current mandates seem excessively aggressive.
Hems revealed that the industry has already made significant strides in reducing emissions, achieving nearly a 99 percent reduction in pollutants from heavy-duty trucks. She further emphasized the lack of necessary infrastructure in New York to support electric trucks, noting that since the regulations were proposed, not a single heavy-duty charger has been installed in the state. She also mentioned the stark cost difference, as clean diesel trucks range from $180,000 to $200,000, while electric trucks can cost nearly $500,000.
The NYSDEC responded to these concerns, stating, “New York’s adoption of the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule is a key initiative towards fostering a cleaner and more efficient transportation future.” They indicated plans to propose new regulations that would allow more flexibility and delay compliance requirements until March 2029, providing manufacturers additional time to either sell more zero-emission vehicles or purchase compliance credits from others. Furthermore, DEC is engaging with legislators and stakeholders to address these issues and counter misinformation.
