The New Jersey Motor Truck Association, Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey and New Jersey Propane Gas Association sent a letter to leaders in the Legislature requesting that they hold hearings this fall on vehicle electrification regulations — and to pass a law determining what the state’s policy is.
The group specifically notes an impending 2025 truck electrification requirement.
The letter, from Eric DeGesero and dated Aug. 12, specifically asks for clarifications regarding two regulations he said are a copy of those proposed — but not yet implemented — by the state of California.
“The (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection) has adopted two separate regulations regarding the electrification of every vehicle from a passenger car (ACCII) to a tractor trailer (ACT),” he wrote. “Both regulations cut and paste California’s EV requirements into the New Jersey Administrative Code. While ACCII doesn’t take effect until Jan. 1, 2027, ACT takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.”
DeGesero stressed the economic importance of the sector.
“According to the NJEDA, the logistics industry contributes 200,000 jobs and $20 billion to the New Jersey economy — and trucking is the lynchpin of the logistics industry,” he wrote. “Everything that arrives at the store, or our front door, gets there via a truck, or multiple trucks, so increased transportation costs are factored into everyday purchases.
“While inflation has cooled, it is still a concern, as evidenced by the fact that grocery prices in New Jersey have increased 28% more than the national average in 2024. The cost of complying with these requirements is astronomical, in the hundreds of millions of dollars, virtually all of which will be passed on to New Jersey consumers in what will become some of the most expensive delivered goods costs in the nation.”
DeGesero again stressed the need for definitive legislative action.
“It is inconceivable that a policy of this magnitude is law by virtue of the governor’s signature and not by a vote of those elected to make the law,” he wrote. “Respectfully, it’s time for the Legislature to determine what the law is.”
