Assembly committee advances bill to delay New Jersey's Advanced Clean Trucks rule amid industry-infrastructure dispute

TRENTON — The Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee on Thursday released Assembly Bill 4967, a measure to delay New Jersey's implementation of the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation to Jan. 1, 2027, after roughly three hours of testimony that sharply split industry representatives and environmental advocates.

Chairman Charmaine Calabrese, sponsor of A4967, told the panel he supports the ACT rule's environmental goals but proposed the two-year delay to address practical implementation challenges. "Truck dealers have faced difficulties securing adequate inventory and meeting customer needs," he said in opening remarks, adding that end users face higher purchase prices and limited charging networks.

Supporters of the delay — led by truck dealers, dealer associations and fuel and small-business groups — described immediate operational barriers if ACT takes effect Jan. 1, 2025. Helder Rebello, director of fleet maintenance and safety at Baybreak Express and president of the New Jersey Motor Truck Association, said a Class 8 electric tractor can cost roughly $550,000 versus about $150,000 to $180,000 for a comparable diesel. "The grid right now in Newark, New Jersey cannot handle it," Rebello said, urging more time for chargers and transformer upgrades.

Dealers and parts-and-service providers…