Hawley wants state to hold off on push for more zero-emission trucks

Press Release Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) has repeatedly reached out to the Office of Gov. Hochul regarding his concerns on the implementation of the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulation. The ACT regulation aims to phase in the sale and use of zero-emission trucks to reduce emissions.

Currently, this regulation is set to be implemented on Jan. 1, 2025, which will require manufacturers to sell zero-emission trucks as an increasing percentage of their annual sales for Class 2b through Class 8 vehicles in New York state.

However, many New Yorkers in the 139th Assembly District and beyond—particularly small business owners and local governments—have voiced their concerns about the feasibility, affordability and strain these trucks will place on infrastructure, leaving numerous questions unanswered. Hawley asserts more information is needed before the ACT regulation is implemented.

“Before the ACT regulation is implemented, Gov. Hochul must work with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to complete a thorough evaluation of the regulation in order to address the concerns shared by my constituents,” Hawley said. “If vehicle retailers, business owners and local governments are already facing challenges as a result of the impending red tape associated with this regulation, clearly more research must be conducted before moving forward.”

Hawley wants Gov. Hochul to delay the implementation date, evaluate the “ins and outs of the ACT regulation” and communicate with all New Yorkers on how it will affect their businesses and day-to-day lives.

“We have a duty to hear the concerns of our constituents, take them seriously and find solutions—I respectfully implore the governor to fulfill that duty and rethink the ACT regulation,” Hawley said. “While I am not against reducing vehicle emissions in our state, I am against proceeding with a regulation that wreaks havoc on our small businesses. Forcing the hand of vehicle manufacturers before zero-emission technology is properly scaled could carry dire consequences for our state’s economy and rural communities.”