NJ Lawmaker: Delaying Electric Truck Mandate a Win for Small Towns and Businesses

The New Jersey Assembly Transportation Committee approved legislation delaying a government mandate forcing manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty trucks to sell only new battery-powered vehicles to decrease the number of diesel-powered trucks on state roads.

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation, which would have eliminated the availability of new gas-powered trucks until zero-emission truck sales increased, was set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. The bill, A-4967, delays the rules by two years.

“Forcing dealers to sell only battery-powered commercial trucks in just three weeks when we do not have the infrastructure or the demand is a death wish for New Jersey’s small and medium-sized businesses and the state’s economy,” Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, R-Morris, said in a release.

The rule, modeled after California’s low-emission vehicle program, would apply to any manufacturer producing vehicles over 8,500 pounds and sold in New Jersey. New Jersey was the first state on the East Coast to adopt the regulations.

“New Jersey is still not California, despite Governor Murphy’s promise to make it so,” Inganamort said. “These regulations – copied word from word from California law – simply don’t work in New Jersey. That’s been affirmed in every conversation I’ve had with those in my legislative district who would be impacted, from firefighters in Sandyston to a small transportation business in Green Township.”

The all-volunteer Sandyston Fire Department in rural Sussex County covers 74 square miles with two 20-year-old tanker trucks. Under the clean trucks rule, a manufacturer would be barred from selling the department a replacement.

“These trucks save lives by putting out fires and plowing our roads. We need them to tow our cars, dispose of our garbage, and deliver our goods,” Inganamort said. “I’m glad the committee delayed the regulations today, though I don’t think they’ll be any more practical or wise two years from now.”

Other states, including Oregon and Massachusetts, have passed measures to delay transitioning to electric-powered commercial trucks.

“At least we will have time to fight their implementation and protect our volunteer first responders and small businesses who would be hurt the most,” Inganamort said.