NRLA-NY Amplifies Call for a Balanced Approach to New York’s Clean Truck Mandate

As New York prepares to implement the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) Rule in January 2025, the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association of New York (NRLA-NY) is ramping up efforts to advocate for a delay. Modeled after California’s regulation, the ACT Rule seeks to phase out diesel-powered trucks but presents significant challenges for the state’s building materials industry. High costs, inadequate charging infrastructure, and unproven technology for heavy delivery routes remain critical concerns.

In response, NRLA-NY has launched a coordinated campaign of advocacy and media outreach to urge policymakers to reconsider the rule’s timeline.

Presidents’ Letter to Governor Hochul

In October 2024, NRLA-NY state and local presidents united in a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul, emphasizing the need for a delay in the ACT Rule. The letter, highlighted in a press release picked up by The Huntingtonian, outlined the potential consequences of the rule and called for a more collaborative approach.

Key points from the letter:

• Regional Action: Neighboring states such as Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey have delayed similar mandates. Even California is revisiting aspects of its Advanced Clean Truck Rule.
• Economic and Housing Impact: The ACT Rule could disrupt the construction supply chain, delay projects, and increase costs, compounding New York’s existing housing crisis.
• Industry Collaboration: The presidents urged Governor Hochul to engage with industry stakeholders to establish a more practical timeline that aligns with New York’s unique challenges.

Letters to the Editor

Throughout November, NRLA-NY leaders and members voiced their concerns in letters to the editor across New York. Some letters gained media coverage, while others, though unpublished, reflect the broad concerns of the industry.

Published Letters:

• Dana Schnipper, NRLA-NY Legislative Committee Chair, emphasized supply chain concerns in The Long Island Press.
• Francis Palasieski, NRLA Director of Government Affairs, detailed the financial burden on affordable housing in The Daily Gazette.
• Russell Turner, Past President of the Mid-Hudson Lumber Dealers Association, shared regional concerns in Mid-Hudson News.
• Jamie Evans, President of the Central New York Retail Lumber Dealers Association, discussed the unpreparedness of the industry in Syracuse Post Standard.
• Robert Bicknell, President of the Northern New York Lumber Dealers Association, reinforced the call for realistic goals in Watertown Daily Times.

Unpublished Letters:

• Chip Penny, President of the New York and Long Island Lumber Association, wrote about challenges with traffic congestion and fleet expansion.
• Doug Ford, Chair of NRLA, emphasized the lack of charging infrastructure statewide.
• Michele Wild, President of the Western New York Lumber Dealers Association, focused on the financial and logistical hurdles posed by winter weather and range limitations.
• Louise Eddy, Incoming President of the Eastern New York Lumber Dealers Association, stressed cost impacts on housing affordability.

The Path Forward