Letter from Kendra Hems

NY Must Rectify ACT Mandate

New York’s trucking industry is a shining example of how smart investment and public-private collaboration can significantly reduce transportation emissions. Since the implementation of clean diesel technology in 1974, the industry has reduced pollutants by 99 percent, and the output of one truck in 1988 is now equivalent to that of 60 trucks on the road today.

This progress toward a greener and more sustainable future is in jeopardy due to the state’s implementation of the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations. With the introduction of S.5931/A.6359 by Senator Jeremy Cooney and Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, we are encouraged that lawmakers are finally acknowledging the devastating impact this rule has on New York’s trucking industry and our statewide economy.

We are asking lawmakers in Albany to pass this crucial legislation and adhere to what they promised when ACT was passed—develop a comprehensive charging infrastructure and reinforce the grid capabilities.

The regulatory framework was more understandable in 2021, when the state guaranteed investment in electric infrastructure to create the network that would power electric trucks statewide. That simply has not happened. No publicly available medium- or heavy-duty truck chargers exist in the entire state, making it impossible for trucking fleets to transition to battery-electric vehicles.

Without a delay, Albany’s intent to force a mandate on the industry before the support for that mandate exists is a recipe for disaster with far-reaching consequences that will impact consumers and businesses alike. New Yorkers are already grappling with an affordability crisis. Implementing ACT would only make a bad situation worse.

To be clear, we are fully supportive of shifting the industry to cleaner vehicles, but it must be done in a commonsense way—which includes building out our electric charging infrastructure, which simply does not exist.

The state must take immediate action to delay this unsupported mandate to protect consumers, businesses, and our economic viability. The trucking industry stands ready to work with the state to find a realistic pathway to reducing emissions.

Kendra Hems
Executive Director, The Trucking Association of New York