NEW YORK WON’T BUDGE

CALIFORNIA RETREATS ON CLEAN TRUCK MANDATE—NEW YORK WON’T BUDGE 

California to Hold Hearing Today on Proposal to Roll Back Parts of Advanced Clean Truck Rule 

In Letter to Governor Hochul Local Building Materials Dealers Urge Immediate Action as CT, MA, and NJ Move to Delay the Mandate Amid Warnings of Major Supply Chain Disruptions. 

RENSSELAER, N.Y.—The Northeastern Retail Lumber Association of New York (NRLA-NY), representing independently owned and operated retailers who supply builders, contractors, and consumers with essential building materials, is sounding the alarm on a looming supply chain crisis. These businesses, often family-owned and serving their communities for generations, play a crucial role in New York’s construction industry, providing materials such as lumber, windows, doors, and kitchen cabinets that keep housing and infrastructure projects moving forward. 

While NRLA-NY supports New York State’s commitment to adopting cleaner technology and securing a sustainable future, the association is deeply concerned about the state’s planned adoption of the Advance Clean Truck regulation. This rule, modeled after California’s regulation, would phase out diesel-powered trucks starting in 2025. However, neighboring states like Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey have recognized that the rule is premature and have already begun working to scale back its implementation, while today California is holding a hearing proposing rollbacks. NRLA-NY stresses that clean truck technology is not yet ready for the heavy demands of daily delivery routes in the building materials industry. 

NRLA-NY members, who are the final critical link in the construction supply chain, fear that the regulation could disrupt the flow of essential materials, causing delays in construction and driving up costs. This comes at a time when New York is grappling with a significant housing shortage, and regulations that increase costs and grind supply chains to a halt threaten to exacerbate the affordability crisis. 

“NRLA-NY members are committed to building a sustainable future for New York, but we need realistic goals that reflect the current capabilities of clean truck technology,” said Doug Ford, Chair of the NRLA. “Our industry is still recovering from the pandemic’s disruptions, and this regulation risks setting us back even further by making it more difficult to deliver the materials needed to meet Governor Hochul’s goal of 800,000 new homes.” 

The Advance Clean Truck regulation poses significant challenges for New York’s building materials supply chain. The current technology for electric trucks lacks the range and payload capacity needed to meet the rigorous demands of daily deliveries. This could lead to increased costs for transportation, further driving up the prices of essential building materials. With the state already facing rising costs of living, this regulation threatens to make the situation worse for residents across New York. In addition, the limited capacity of electric trucks means that more vehicles will be required to maintain current delivery schedules. This would contribute to congestion on New York’s already busy roads and highways, and with a nationwide shortage of commercial drivers, the regulation could make an already challenging situation even more dire. 

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“New York is already known for its heavy traffic, and this regulation could make matters worse by increasing the number of trucks on the road,” said Dana Schnipper, Chair of NRLA-NY’s Legislative Committee. “We need to find a solution that allows us to pursue sustainability goals while also ensuring the stability of the essential supply chains that support our communities.” 

NRLA-NY has been actively engaging with state officials on this issue. The association has sent a formal letter to Governor Hochul outlining the concerns of its members. Additionally, NRLA-NY members have sent letters to elected representatives across the state, urging them to reconsider the regulation’s implementation timeline. 

This issue affects all New Yorkers, impacting not just the construction industry, but also the cost of living and quality of life throughout the state. NRLA-NY believes it is essential to find solutions that promote both sustainability and affordability without undermining the construction supply chain that is critical to New York’s future. 

“As the backbone of the construction supply chain across the state and the greater Northeast, we recognize the importance of a sustainable future. However, our industry needs clear and achievable goals to ensure we can successfully adapt and continue supporting the region’s building needs.” – Rita Ferris, President, Northeastern Retail Lumber Association 

“Central New York is home to a growing number of construction projects that are key to our region’s development such as the Micron campus. We all support the goal of cleaner air, but the current timeline for the Advanced Clean Truck regulation is unrealistic and risks stalling or driving away these essential projects. A more gradual approach would allow our industry to adapt while protecting jobs and keeping housing costs manageable.” – Jamie Evans President, Central New York Retail Lumber Dealers Association 

“In Eastern New York, we’re seeing a push for growth in both residential and commercial construction. The Advanced Clean Truck rule, however, could put that progress at risk. Without the proper infrastructure and fully developed technology, this regulation will lead to delays and increased costs. We support sustainable practices, but they must be implemented in a way that keeps the momentum of our construction industry intact.”- Louise Eddy, Incoming President, Eastern New York Lumber Dealers Association 

“The Mid-Hudson region is already grappling with rising costs, and this regulation would only add to the burden. Forcing an early transition to electric trucks, without the necessary infrastructure in place, would strain our ability to deliver materials on time and at a reasonable cost. We need solutions that balance environmental progress with economic realities.” – Russell Turner President, Mid-Hudson Lumber Dealers Association 

“Northern New York’s building materials industry depends on efficient transportation to serve rural and hard-to-reach areas. The limitations of electric trucks—especially in terms of range—make the Advanced Clean Truck rule unworkable for our region right now. We urge the state to consider the unique challenges faced by upstate businesses and to delay the implementation until technology catches up.” – Robert Bicknell President, Northern New York Lumber Dealers Association 

“On Long Island and throughout New York City, traffic is already a significant issue. The last thing we need is more trucks on the road because of reduced payloads and shorter ranges of electric trucks. The state should delay this regulation and focus on creating a plan that works for everyone, ensuring that we can continue to deliver the materials that keep construction projects moving.” – Chip Penny President, New York and Long Island Lumber Association 

“In Western New York, where distances between job sites can be long, the current technology for electric trucks just isn’t practical. The added costs and operational challenges would hurt small, independent businesses the most. We support cleaner transportation options, but we need a realistic timeline and proper infrastructure in place before moving forward.”  – Nick Tomidy President, Western New York Lumber Dealers Association  
 

About NRLA-NY: 

The Northeastern Retail Lumber Association of New York (NRLA-NY) represents over 350 independently owned and operated building material dealer locations across the state. Our members are the backbone of the construction supply chain, providing essential materials to builders, contractors, and homeowners. The association’s legislative committee, composed of industry volunteers, drives our advocacy efforts, ensuring that the voice of the lumber and building materials (LBM) industry is heard on key issues impacting our businesses and communities. Through member-driven action, we work to promote a strong, sustainable future for the LBM sector. For more information, visit our website.