Electric Truck Leader: New Jersey First State on East Coast to Adopt Advanced Clean Truck Rule

Environment New Jersey Research & Policy Center

Trenton – Today, New Jersey became the fourth state in the nation to formally adopt the Advanced Clean Truck rule when it adopted the regulation via the New Jersey Register of rules and regulations. The Advanced Clean Truck rule was proposed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in April through the Protecting Against Climate Threats (NJPACT) process, in which Governor Murphy is working to adapt to and mitigate climate change. This specific rule will significantly reduce climate and air pollutants from the transportation sector, through a zero-emission sales requirement for trucks in Class 2b through Class 8, which starts in Model Year 2025 and increases each year through Model Year 2035. By Model Year 2035, 55% of all new trucks sold in New Jersey will be electric.

New Jersey was the first state, after California, to propose this rule, and now becomes the first state on the East Coast to formally adopt the Advanced Clean Truck rule. There are numerous other regulations that NJDEP is likely to move forward with, under the NJPACT process, to continue to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt to its impacts. Some of these regulations will also be adopted from California, and include rules such as the Cargo Handling Equipment rule, the Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Omnibus Rule, Advanced Clean Cars II, and periodic inspections of medium-duty vehicles.

Hayley Berliner, Clean Energy Advocate with Environment New Jersey issued the following statement:

“Electric trucks are the future. They are far superior to diesel – they’re zero-emission so they’re better for the climate and public health, they’re quieter and break down less, and fumes don’t seep into the driver’s cabin. Most importantly, transitioning to electric trucks will significantly reduce New Jersey’s greenhouse gas emissions and make our communities healthier. Electric trucks are cleaner for our communities and the climate – they are the trucks of the future.

“We want to thank the Murphy Administration for this great holiday gift. New Jersey is the first state on the East Coast to formally adopt the Advanced Clean Truck rule and this cements its status as an electric vehicle leader. 

“To reach our climate goals, and make our communities healthier, we need to move to an all-electric future. The Advanced Clean Truck rule is a huge step in that direction, but it can’t be a one-off. For New Jersey to truly emerge as the East Coast leader for truck electrification and reach our climate goals, we must move forward aggressively with the other NJPACT rules and continue electrifying everything on wheels in the state. We thank the NJDEP and Gov. Murphy for moving forward to electrify trucks on our roads.”
 
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