Eight States Urge Governors to Delay Electric Truck Regulations Amid Infrastructure Concerns

Eight transportation organizations, representing New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Mexico, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, have urged their respective governors to delay the implementation of the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulations, which are scheduled to take effect in 2025 and 2027.

Eric DeGesero, lobbyist for the New Jersey Motor Truck Association, emphasized the importance of the delay for the economy, expressing hope that the movement would continue to gain momentum. He pointed out that in New Jersey, a legislative measure to delay the EV truck regulations by two years passed the Assembly Transportation Committee, thanks to the leadership of key officials like Chairman Clinton Calabrese and Speaker Craig Coughlin.

“We simply do not have the infrastructure in place to support such a dramatic shift in our trucking and logistics systems,” DeGesero said. “Seven other states are in a similar position. If the ACT regulations proceed without delay, it will have a disastrous impact on our economy, leading to higher prices, job losses, and shipping delays across the country.”

The letter, sent to governors or governors-elect in the eight states, acknowledges the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change, which the ACT regulations are designed to address. However, the transportation organizations argue that the trucking industry has made significant progress in reducing emissions over the years and is concerned that the rushed timeline for the ACT regulations will undermine those efforts.

The letter states: “We fully support these goals, and the trucking industry has worked collaboratively with government partners to reduce emissions from heavy-duty trucks. In fact, today’s trucks emit far fewer pollutants than those from 1988, with clean diesel technology contributing to a 99 percent reduction in pollutants since 1974.”

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The organizations warn that rushing the ACT regulations could lead to a shortage of clean diesel trucks, forcing older, more polluting trucks to remain on the road. They also express concern over potential job losses and business closures. Instead of moving forward with the current timeline, the organizations suggest an alternative approach, similar to the successful voluntary EPA SmartWay program, which has been widely supported in the industry.

“We are asking for a delay in the implementation of the ACT regulations to prevent undue harm to dealers and trucking companies, and to allow time for collaboration in finding a solution that aligns with our state’s environmental goals,” the letter concludes.

The letter was signed by the New Jersey Motor Truck Association, the Colorado Motor Carriers Association, the Trucking Association of Massachusetts, the New Mexico Trucking Association, the Trucking Association of New York, the Oregon Trucking Association, the Rhode Island Trucking Association, and the Washington Trucking Association.

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