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State Democratic lawmakers are trying to pump the brakes on the Hochul administration’s “nearly impossible” green-energy rule requiring more new large trucks to be emissions-free.
The proposal, pushed by state Sen. Jeremy Coney Cooney (D-Rochester) and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Binghamton), would postpone the start of the Democratic governor’s edict until at least Jan. 1, 2027.
Hochul’s recent “Advanced Clean Trucks” rule requires manufacturers of vehicles greater than 8,500 pounds to sell an increasing number of zero-emission vehicles in New York, starting with a 7% zero emissions sales percentage in 2025 and ramping up every model year through 2035, to 40% for tractor sales and up to 75% for other trucks.
The legislators said the green edict promoting electric and even hydrogen-powered trucks is wreaking havoc on an important industry.
“Unfortunately, the ACT regulations are nearly impossible for the trucking industry to comply with because of a lack of truck charging infrastructure, cost factors, and other challenges,” Lupardo said in a memo supporting her bill.
“Battery charging times are also a challenge and will remain so until new technology emerges and is commercialized,” she said.
The legislators noted that an average diesel truck can be refilled in about 10 minutes and can drive for about 2,000 miles.
By comparison, an electric, zero-emission heavy-duty truck takes approximately 10 hours to charge and can run for about 500 miles.
The cost of electric heavy-duty trucks can average up to three times more than diesel-fueled trucks, too, the lawmakers claim.
“As we transition to a clean energy future, there is no point in putting an entire industry at risk in the process,” the lawmakers said.
But a coalition of nine environmental groups issued a statement opposing the proposed rule delay, calling it a scare campaign being fanned by diesel pollution-spewing truck manufacturers.
“Delaying implementation is not only a foolish response to a false crisis whipped up by manufacturers, who are looking to rig the market in their favor, but it will lead to more ER visits, people suffering from asthma, and increased health costs, particularly for communities of color and low-income,” said a memo co- signed by the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance.
“Our organizations urge the governor and the legislature to stand up for vulnerable communities and reject this legislation, and any effort like it.”
Other enviromental groups opposing the proposed rule delay include the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, Environmental Advocates of NY, Earthjustice, Environmental Defense Fund, New Yorkers for Clean Power, Sierra Club, Tri-State Transportation Campaign and Union of Concerned Scientists.
ACT is estimated to save hundreds of lives and generate nearly $2.8 billion in public-health benefits, advocates claim.
Hochul’s office declined to comment on the pending legislation.
Spokesman Paul DeMechille only said in a statement, “The governor doesn’t intend to punitively penalize the path to a better future—we can and will do this together.”
Hochul also is being urged to slow down the timeline forcing New Yorkers to switch from gas-powered cars to emission-free electric ones.
It’s just the latest spat over New York’s green-energy and climate-change laws.
A coalition of business and fossil fuel trade groups recently filed a federal suit against the Hochul administration over a law that will force oil, natural gas and coal companies to pay a staggering $75 billion for spewing carbon emissions.
Overall, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019 requires the state and its energy producers and consumers to move away from fossil fuels by slashing gas emissions by 40% by 2030, with the goal of achieving 100% zero-carbon-emission electricity by 2040.
Hochul and the Democratic-led legislature have also banned gas stoves, furnaces and propane heating in new buildings.
In December, Hochul extended the state’s fracking ban by prohibiting a new technique to use carbon dioxide to extract natural gas, too.
