The latest battleground in the implementation of New Jersey’s strategy to electrify the transportation sector is forming around the Advanced Clean Truck Regulations: Legislation has been introduced in Trenton to delay their start from Jan. 1, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2027.

Meanwhile, the state Board of Public Utilities, often a strong supporter of Gov. Phil Murphy’s green energy agenda, announced the adoption of minimum filing requirements for charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles.

According to a BPU press release, the decision by the regulatory board directs “the state’s investor-owned electric distribution companies to propose programs to expand charging access for medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles and fleets.”

One of those distribution companies is Atlantic City Electric. Any investments the utility makes in complying with this BPU directive could show up in ratepayers’ bills later, as the utility would likely seek to recover such investments.

The utilities also would be required to “provide additional bonus incentives for overburdened municipalities and overburdened communities adjacent to freight EV corridors, as well as small businesses.”

Murphy praised the board he appointed, saying, “Today’s announcement by the BPU is a key part of my administration’s whole-of-government approach to reducing harmful emissions from the transportation sector that negatively impact the health of our residents.”

BPU President Chirstine Guhl-Sadovy touted her board’s work, saying, “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership and in coordination with New Jersey’s EDCs (distribution companies), the NJBPU remains at the forefront of advancing smart, clean transportation initiatives and infrastructure that provide considerable health and environmental benefits.”

Thirteen New Jersey organizations released a statement praising the move by the BPU. They said, “Electrifying medium- and heavy-duty vehicles represents a significant opportunity to reduce environmental impacts while also providing economic advantages.”

Among those signing the statement were the New Jersey Sierra Club, the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance and GreenFaith NJ.

Not everyone agrees. On Oct. 21, legislation was introduced to delay the regulations (A-4967, S-3817). The legislation, sponsored by three Democrats, was greeted with approval by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association.

The association’s government affairs officer, Ray Canter, said, “In a nutshell, it will cost hundreds of millions of dollars for the trucking industry, it will decimate the logistics industry, including our ports, and those costs will be passed on to consumers. But above all that, the regulations are not feasible because the technology and infrastructure simply aren’t there yet for full implementation.”

The BPU’s newly adopted rules require electricity distribution companies to file proposed programs within 120 days.

Contact the reporter, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.