Niagara Leader

Members of the New York State Senate Republican Conference have expressed concerns over the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations set to be implemented by the Department of Environmental Conservation. In a letter addressed to Governor Kathy Hochul, they called for a delay in implementing these regulations.

Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt stated, "The ACT regulations are the latest example of a mandate that was implemented without properly considering the impacts on small businesses, in addition to the lack of adequate infrastructure to meet the intended goals." He urged for a task force to find a more practical solution.

The ACT plan, adopted in 2021 and scheduled for 2025 implementation, has been criticized as burdensome for New York businesses. Senator Mario Mattera remarked, "The effective date of ACT fails to do so and is another example of New York State putting the cart before the horse."

Senator Tom O’Mara voiced concerns about cost implications: "ACT will triple the cost of a semi-truck, dump truck, and snowplow and reduce the range of these trucks." He warned it might encourage businesses to relocate their fleets out of state.

Senator George Borrello added that business owners in his district fear compliance challenges with this "premature mandate," potentially driving them across state borders. Senator Dan Stec criticized Albany's green agenda as costly and infeasible at present.

Concerns from highway departments were highlighted by Senator Anthony Palumbo: "This regulation would place undue financial and operational burdens on our highway departments." Meanwhile, Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick stressed that residents need financial relief instead of additional burdens.

Senator Griffo proposed legislation (S.9910) to delay ACT implementation until its impacts are fully understood. The letter suggests forming a task force for cost-benefit analysis with industry consultation.

"Clean air is a vital resource that our conference has long fought for and believes in protecting," reads part of their letter. However, they argue New York is not ready to adopt such measures feasibly or affordably at this time.