State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) and fellow Senate Republicans have urged Governor Kathy Hochul to delay the implementation of New York’s Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations, citing concerns from the business community about the feasibility and cost of the new rules. In a letter sent to Governor Hochul, O’Mara and his colleagues raised issues regarding the state’s readiness to adopt the regulations, which were first introduced in 2021 and are set to take effect in 2025.
O’Mara, a member of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, criticized the ACT regulations as an overly ambitious mandate lacking a thorough cost-benefit analysis. “The Albany Democrat strategy for New York’s energy future is not affordable, feasible, or realistic under its current timeline,” O’Mara said. He emphasized that the ACT regulations would drive up the costs of trucks like semi-trucks and snowplows by three to four times, with a reduction in operational range that could further burden businesses.
Republican leaders also expressed concern that the high costs of zero-emission trucks and insufficient charging infrastructure could push businesses to relocate their fleets out of state. “The technology and infrastructure are still new and extremely costly,” said Senator George Borrello (R,C-Jamestown). “This may drive many businesses across the state border to Pennsylvania.”
The ACT regulations, designed to reduce emissions from commercial vehicles, would require the sale of more zero-emission trucks starting in 2025. However, Senate Republicans argued that New York lacks the necessary infrastructure to support widespread adoption of these vehicles. They also warned that the cost burden could lead to higher prices for consumers and taxpayers.
In their letter, the Republican senators requested the formation of a task force to conduct a detailed analysis of the potential economic and environmental impacts of the ACT regulations. They also highlighted legislation (S.9910), introduced by Senator Joseph Griffo (R,C-Rome), which seeks to delay the implementation of the ACT until a more viable plan can be developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders.
While the Senate Republicans support reducing emissions, they stressed the importance of ensuring that any new regulations are both practical and affordable for businesses. “Clean air is a vital resource… but we must be prudent about how we achieve those goals,” the letter read.
The call for a delay comes as New York continues to push forward with aggressive climate policies, including the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Senate Republicans argue that while the goals are commendable, the state needs to ensure the infrastructure and economic conditions are in place to meet them.
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