State Sen. Tom O’Mara (R, C-Big Flats) and his Senate Republican colleagues urged Gov. Kathy Hochul to delay implementation of New York’s Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations, citing concerns from the business community about the feasibility and cost of the new rules. In a letter sent to Governor Hochul, O’Mara and his colleagues raised questions about the state’s willingness to adopt the regulations, which were first introduced in 2021 and are expected to take effect in 2025.

O’Mara, a member of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, criticized the ACT regulations as an overly ambitious mandate lacking a thorough cost-benefit analysis. “Albany Democrats’ strategy for New York State’s energy future is not affordable, achievable or realistic under the current timeline,” O’Mara said. He pointed out that ACT regulations would increase the costs of trucks like semi-trailers and snow plows by three to four times, with a reduction in operational scope that could further burden businesses.

Republican leaders also expressed concern that the high costs of zero-emission trucks and insufficient charging infrastructure could push companies to move their fleets out of state. “The technology and infrastructure are still new and extremely expensive,” said Sen. George Borrello (R, C-Jamestown). “This could lead to many businesses moving across the state line into Pennsylvania.”

The ACT regulations, designed to reduce commercial vehicle emissions, would require the sale of more zero-emission trucks starting in 2025. However, Senate Republicans have argued that New York state does not have of the infrastructure needed to support widespread adoption of these vehicles. They also warned that the cost burden could lead to higher prices for consumers and taxpayers.

In their letter, the Republican senators requested the formation of a task force to conduct a detailed analysis of the potential economic and environmental impacts of the ACT regulations. They also highlighted legislation (S.9910), introduced by Sen. Joseph Griffo (R, C-Rome), which aims to delay implementation of the ACT until a more viable plan can be developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders.

Although Senate Republicans support reducing emissions, they have stressed the importance of ensuring that any new regulations are both practical and affordable for businesses. “Clean air is a vital resource… but we must be careful about how we achieve these goals,” the letter reads.

This call for delay comes as New York continues to implement aggressive climate policies, including the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Senate Republicans argue that while the goals are laudable, the state must ensure the infrastructure and economic conditions are in place to achieve them.

FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for over two decades. Do you have a lead? Send it to (protected email).