New York State Senator Joseph Griffo convened a meeting in Albany this week between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and various stakeholders, including business owners, local officials, and statewide association representatives. The meeting addressed concerns related to New York’s Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) Rule, which many believe adversely affects them.
Initiated in late 2021, the ACT Rule requires medium and heavy-duty vehicles to transition to zero emissions by 2025, with a target for all trucks over 8,500 pounds to be zero emission by 2045. This regulation is part of the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which Sen. Griffo has not supported.
Groups such as the New York State Automobile Dealers Association, Trucking Association of New York, and the New York State County Highway Association have voiced opposition to the regulation. They cite concerns that the necessary infrastructure is not in place and warn of negative impacts on businesses and communities.
Sen. Griffo facilitated the meeting to support truck dealerships, owners, trucking companies, municipal highway departments, and local governments facing challenges due to the regulation. Attendees included prominent figures such as Michael Martucci, Regional Administrator for EPA Region 2, and various representatives from affected organizations and industries.
“I appreciate the willingness of EPA Regional Administrator Martucci and his staff to meet with some of those affected by the ACT Rule,” stated Sen. Griffo. “This meeting was an important opportunity for area business owners, trucking associations, and local officials to discuss concerns with this problematic regulation directly with the EPA. While I understand the need to embrace clean energy, the CLCPA has resulted in unaffordable mandates, including this electric truck regulation, that will have major impacts on numerous communities, businesses, and industries in New York. I will continue to advocate reasonable and realistic deadlines and expectations to reach the state’s energy goals.”
In response to these challenges, Sen. Griffo has put forward legislation (S.1749) to delay the ACT Rule’s implementation. Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon supports this effort with a companion bill (A.1073) in the Assembly.
