Buffalo Ledger

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan has requested Governor Kathy Hochul to postpone the implementation of the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations set by the Department of Environmental Conservation. These regulations, initially adopted in 2021 under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, require manufacturers to increase production and sales of zero-emission trucks and buses starting in 2025. The objective is for all medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including municipal plows over 8,500 pounds, to be zero-emission by 2045.

Senator Gallivan expressed concerns about the financial implications for businesses and municipalities, fearing negative effects on New York's business climate. "We all care about the air we breathe and efforts to protect our environment, but once again the state is mandating changes that are unrealistic and unaffordable," he stated. He emphasized that these mandates should be paused until a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis is completed.

Currently, zero-emission truck technology remains costly, with prices three to four times higher than diesel-powered vehicles. This cost could ultimately burden taxpayers and consumers statewide. Furthermore, Senator Gallivan pointed out that necessary charging infrastructure is not yet available.

In response, Senator Gallivan is co-sponsoring legislation (S.9910) aimed at delaying ACT regulation implementation. The proposed legislation suggests forming a Task Force to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis and develop a more feasible plan with industry input to reduce emissions without imposing substantial costs on businesses.