The state is already making progress, with truck manufacturers banking credits from previous sales to help meet the upcoming requirements.

However, dealers are expressing concerns about the feasibility of these rules, citing high upfront costs for electric trucks and the need for adequate charging infrastructure.

Currently, electric vehicles account for less than 1% of heavy-duty truck sales in New Jersey, and dealers argue that low demand complicates compliance with the new mandates.

In response to these challenges, truck dealers in New Jersey are pushing for a delay in the implementation of the ACT rules to allow more time for preparation.

Although the New Jersey transportation committee has advanced a bill to delay the rules, it is unlikely to gain support in the state senate's environmental committee.

Environmental groups counter that the ACT rules are both feasible and necessary to address urgent health concerns linked to diesel emissions.

Heavy-duty trucks significantly contribute to climate change and health issues, particularly in communities near warehouses and ports, making the transition to zero-emission vehicles critical.

The ongoing debate over truck emissions regulations in New Jersey reflects broader discussions in other states, including New York and Oregon, regarding California's plans for passenger vehicle emissions.

Currently, ten other states have also adopted the ACT rules, aimed at accelerating the transition to electric vehicles in heavy trucking.

New Jersey is set to adopt California's Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rules, which require that at least 7% of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sold be zero-emission starting in model year 2025.

Despite dealer opposition, New Jersey's governor supports the timeline for these rules to take effect on January 1, 2025.

While truck manufacturers have agreed to comply with California's regulations, truck dealers in New Jersey feel excluded from this partnership, receiving a three-year compliance period instead of one.