News

For Immediate Release: May 22, 2025

Contact: Jeanette Hoffman (908) 418-0859

DeGesero: US Senate Vote to Repeal EV Car and Truck Mandates a Win for NJ Consumers

In response to the US Senate voting to repeal California’s electric car and electric truck mandates, which ends New Jersey’s EV mandates, Eric DeGesero, advisor to NJ Motor Truck Association, NJ Propane Gas Association, and Fuel Merchants Association of NJ, issued the following statement:

“The Congress of the United States has voted to repeal California’s EV mandates for electric cars and trucks. It is anticipated President Trump will sign the resolutions. In turn this will end the EV truck mandate that is crippling NJ small businesses and prevent the EV car mandate from taking effect in August 2026.

This is a huge win for affordability, reliability, dependability, and security.

It also sets up a clear choice in this fall’s election for Governor. As of today, the leading candidates for Governor provide a stark contrast regarding mandated electrification.

The leading Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli has publicly stated he opposes the EV mandates and Governor Murphy’s attempt to force electric heat pumps and electric stoves on us through Senate Bill 249/Assembly Bill 4844. The leading Democratic candidate Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill voted to keep the EV mandates.

EV trucks cost three times more than a regular truck, there is no place to charge them, and everything we buy moves in a truck so these increased costs will be passed along to consumers, the rate of EV car purchases in NJ fell precipitously from 2023 to 2024, and the most expensive way to heat your house winter 2025 was electric heat. Consumers and businesses should have the freedom to choose how we wish to drive, heat, and cook. As it relates to continuing Governor Murphy’s  ‘electrify everything’ agenda after he leaves office, the choice for Governor this fall could not be more stark nor consequential.”

#####

Governor Phil Scott today issued Executive Order 04-25, directing the Agency of Natural Resources to pause enforcement of a multi-state plan requiring vehicle manufacturers to meet certain electric vehicle (EV) sales targets for passenger cars and medium- and heavy-trucks.

“I continue to believe we should be incentivizing Vermonters to transition to cleaner energy options like electric vehicles. However, we have to be realistic about a pace that’s achievable. It’s clear we don’t have anywhere near enough charging infrastructure and insufficient technological advances in heavy-duty vehicles to meet current goals,” said Governor Scott. “We have much more work to do, in order make it more convenient, faster, and more affordable to buy, maintain and charge EV’s. When we do, it’s more likely everyday Vermonters will make the switch.”

Governor Scott remains committed to addressing climate change, including advocating for more charging infrastructure, which is key to supporting Vermonters in making EVs viable and reducing transportation emissions. When it comes to transitioning to a low-carbon future, mandates are not going to be the total answer.  Using common sense and incentivizing technological advancements is necessary to overall success and this compliance flexibility is intended to reflect this reality.

Specific details can be found in the Governor’s Executive Order which can be found by clicking here.

On May 10, 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced it is extending its suspension of enforcement of the Pennsylvania Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Control Program until January 2, 2028. This applies to diesel-powered vehicles over 14,000 lbs and their engines, covering model years 2022 through 2027. During this period, trucks that comply with federal emissions standards—but lack CARB certification—can continue to be sold, leased, delivered, or registered in Pennsylvania.

NOTICES

DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Suspension of Enforcement of the Pennsylvania Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Control Program

[55 Pa.B. 3323]
[Saturday, May 10, 2025]

 The Department of Environmental Protection (Department) announces that the Department will suspend enforcement of 25 Pa. Code Chapter 126, Subchapter E (relating to Pennsylvania Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Control Program) until January 2, 2028. The Pennsylvania Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Control Program (Program) applies to the manufacturers of new diesel-powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of greater than 14,000 pounds or new heavy-duty diesel (HDD) engines that are used in vehicles with a GVWR of greater than 14,000 pounds that are sold, leased, offered for sale or lease, imported, delivered, purchased, rented, acquired or received in this Commonwealth. The Program requires that subject vehicles and engines be issued a California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order certifying compliance with CARB emission standards. This suspension of enforcement will allow vehicles and engines subject to the Program that have not been issued a CARB Executive Order and which meet the Federal HDD emission standards to be sold, leased, offered for sale or lease, imported, delivered, purchased, rented, acquired or received in this Commonwealth during the suspension beginning with Model Year (MY) 2022 and ending with MY 2028. This suspension of enforcement supersedes the suspension notice published at 53 Pa.B. 3166 (June 10, 2023).

 In 2002, the Department's Program implemented the then current CARB emission standards for all HDD engines and vehicles that have a GVWR of 14,000 pounds in response to an emissions cheating scandal in the late 1990s, when engine manufacturers installed emission control system defeat devices. See 32 Pa.B. 2327 (May 11, 2002). The Program became effective May 11, 2002, and provided the necessary 2-year lead time to manufacturers as required under section 177(2) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. § 7507(2)). The Program's emission standards first applied to MY 2005 HDD vehicles and engines.

 The Department has decided to continue to suspend enforcement for the following reasons. First, there is pending litigation challenging certain issues surrounding those standards and associated warranty provisions in American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, (9th Cir. No. 25-89), which is currently in abeyance for 120 days or until June 12, 2025, given the changes associated with the transition of the new Federal administration. Second, the United States Environmental Protection Agency sent the standards and warranty provisions to Congress for review under the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. §§ 801—808). Those standards and warranty provisions were disapproved by the United States House of Representatives on April 30, 2025, (Roll Call 111, Bill No.: H. J. Res. 87 and Roll Call No.: 112, Bill No.: H. J. Res. 89). The standards and warranty provisions will be considered by the United States Senate (Senate). If disapproved by the Senate, the resolution of disapproval will be presented to the President for signature. If signed, the resolution will prevent the standards and warranty provisions from going into effect. Based on the two events, the Department decided not to begin enforcing the standards and provisions until January 2, 2028, at the earliest.

 The Department will reevaluate this suspension of enforcement no later than July 31, 2027. Manufacturers will be required to meet the Program's requirements beginning with MY 2029 HDD vehicles and engines.

 The Department's exercise of enforcement discretion does not protect a manufacturer, distributor, seller, renter, importer, leaser or owner of a retail outlet from the possibility of legal challenge by third persons under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 126, Subchapter E.

 For more information or questions concerning the requirements of the Program, contact Nicholas Lazor, Director for the Bureau of Air Quality, at nlazor@pa.gov or (717) 787-9702.

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 25-620. Filed for public inspection May 9, 2025, 9:00 a.m.]

Link to Bulletin: https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol55/55-19/620.html

The New Jersey Motor Truck Association has arrived! They'll be on Capitol Hill all day today for ATA's Call on Washington to talk about ways to strengthen our essential industry.

#NothingWithoutTrucking

Today is the start of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) 72-hour International Roadcheck commercial motor vehicle and driver inspection, enforcement, education and data-collection initiative.

From May 13-15, commercial motor vehicles and drivers may be inspected by CVSA-certified inspectors at weigh/inspection stations, temporary sites, mobile patrols and other locations throughout North America to verify compliance with federal regulations.

If an inspector discovers driver or vehicle out-of-service violations as identified in the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, they will place the driver and/or vehicle out of service, restricting further travel until all out-of-service violations have been appropriately addressed.

During International Roadcheck, inspectors primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure that includes an examination of driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness.

During the driver portion of an inspection, inspectors check the driver’s documents, license or commercial driver’s license, medical examiner’s certificate and skill performance certificate (if applicable), record of duty status, Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status (in the U.S.), seat belt usage, and alcohol and/or drug impairment.

During the vehicle portion of the Level I Inspection, inspectors check the vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs, and windshield wipers for compliance with applicable regulations. Inspections of motorcoaches, passenger vans and other passenger-carrying vehicles also include the examination of emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments.

A vehicle that successfully passes a Level I or V Inspection without any critical vehicle inspection item violations will receive a CVSA decal, which is valid for up to three months. Generally, a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a valid CVSA decal will not be re-inspected during the validity period. However, nothing prevents the re-inspection of vehicles bearing a valid CVSA decal.

A jurisdiction or an inspector may opt to conduct a limited Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection or Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection, instead of a Level I Inspection. Level II and III Inspections are not eligible for a CVSA decal.

Each year, International Roadcheck places special emphasis on a driver violation category and a vehicle violation category. This year, the vehicle focus is on tires. Inspectors will check tire tread depth and proper inflation. They will also look for tire damage, such as air leaks, tread separation, cuts, bulges, sidewall damage and improper repairs. The driver focus is on false records of duty status (RODS). Failure to record, complete or retain the RODS, or knowingly falsifying RODS is a driver out-of-service violation.

Data from the three days of International Roadcheck will be collected and the results will be released this summer.

CVSA is a nonprofit organization comprised of local, state, provincial, territorial and federal commercial motor vehicle safety officials and industry representatives in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. The Alliance aims to prevent commercial motor vehicle crashes, injuries and fatalities and believes that collaboration between government and industry improves road safety and saves lives. Its mission is to improve commercial motor vehicle safety and enforcement by providing guidance, education and advocacy for enforcement and industry across North America.

Today, the American Trucking Associations applauded Congressman Mike Collins (R-Georgia) for continuing to lead the effort to stop the costly and risky practice of criminals purposefully crashing into trucks in an attempt to shakedown motor carriers for a payout.  In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi that was co-signed by six of his colleagues, Congressman Collins urged the Trump Administration to form a specialized task force dedicated to investigating and prosecuting staged accident fraud.
 
“When con artists seeking a big payday intentionally collide with commercial motor vehicles, their reckless disregard for safety puts innocent truck drivers and the motoring public at risk.  These unscrupulous individuals perpetuate their selfish actions by filing frivolous lawsuits against honest trucking companies, raising costs for consumer goods and inflating insurance premiums,” said American Trucking Associations Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom.  “ATA strongly encourages Attorney General Bondi to crack down on this dangerous lawlessness by establishing a specialized task force dedicated to holding these criminals accountable, and we thank Congressman Collins for spearheading this effort to protect America's hardworking truckers."
 
A wide range of schemes in recent years have targeted trucking companies, and these sophisticated fraudsters often have ties to organized crime.  This perilous, pervasive phenomenon manipulates the legal system to extort trucking companies for settlements upwards of seven-figures.  One such criminal ring was exposed in Louisiana for staging accidents with unsuspecting commercial trucks beginning in 2011.  To date, 63 people have been indicted in the federal probe into this conspiracy, including plaintiff attorneys who are alleged to have been the masterminds.  
 
To stem the tide, Congressman Collins is recommending that the Attorney General organize the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, local police departments, businesses, and the public to help identify and dismantle criminal enterprises.  In addition to Congressman Collins, the letter was signed by Congressmen Lance Gooden (R-Texas), Tony Wied (R-Wisconsin), Tom Barrett (R-Michigan), Glenn Grothman (R-Wisconsin), Tom Tiffany (R-Wisconsin), and Jimmy Patronis (R-Florida).
 
This enforcement initiative would build on a parallel legislative effort.  Last month, Congressmen Collins and Brandon Gill (R-Texas) introduced and ATA endorsed the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act, which would make it a federal crime to engineer a crash with a commercial motor vehicle.  Specifically, the bill establishes straightforward criminal penalties not just for the drivers who stage these collisions—but also for the attorneys, physicians, and other co-conspirators who knowingly participate in the fraud to extort victimized motor carriers.  This measure would provide a strong, necessary deterrent to prevent these schemes, while offering critical protections to the motor carriers and drivers who tirelessly power our nation’s economy and supply chain.

The South Jersey Transportation Authority is proposing amendments to its rules and new rules and repeals that would revise, clarify, and modernize certain requirements on the Atlantic City Expressway.

CLICK HERE to view the proposed regulations published in the May 5, 2025, NJ Register.

Some of the proposed changes are as follows:

 The proposed amendments at NJAC 19:2-4.3 remove specific dimensions of vehicles on the Roadway and add a cross reference to the State Law at NJSA 39:3-84.

1. The requirements for the transportation of gasoline and hazardous materials and requirements for cleaning up spills of hazardous materials on the Roadway are added at NJAC 19:2-4.4.
2. New NJAC 19:2-4.4(b) includes a proposed $50.00 processing fee related to all notifications submitted for transporting gasoline and hazardous materials
3. New NJAC 19:2-5.1(b) and (c) define spills of certain non-hazardous materials and requirements for cleaning up such spills on the Roadway.
4. Proposed new NJAC 19:2-6.1(e) provides a mechanism for disputing tolls to the Authority.

Comments are due July 4, 2025. NJMTA is reviewing and preparing comments on the proposal.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 28, 2025

TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has filed a notice of proposal for new rules with the state Office of Administrative Law (OAL).  Those new rules at N.J.A.C. 12:11 would codify the NJDOL’s interpretation of the ABC test for independent contractor status under the New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Law, the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law, and the New Jersey Wage Payment law, among other New Jersey laws.  This proposal reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring a level playing field for employers across the state. 

The notice of proposal for new rules will be published in the May 5, 2025, issue of the New Jersey Register, and there will be a 60-day period beginning on May 5, 2025, during which the NJDOL will accept written comments on the proposed new rules. To view the full notice of proposal posted on the department’s website, click here. 

The new rules would include factors used by the New Jersey Supreme Court in Carpet Remnant Warehouse, Inc. v. New Jersey Department of Labor (CRW), 125 N.J. 567 (1991) and East Bay Drywall, LLC v. Dep’t of Labor and Workforce Development (EBD), 251 N.J. 477 (2022), as well as court and administrative decisions issued both before and after CRW and EBD.   

The proposed new rules stem from the NJDOL’s interpretation of the statutory ABC test, and are informed by binding decisions of the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court and the New Jersey Supreme Court, including the New Jersey Supreme Court’s 2022 unanimous ruling in East Bay Drywall, LLC v. Department of Labor and Workforce Development, in which the Court expressly suggested ‘that the Department exercise its statutory authority and expertise… to promulgate regulations…’. 

The proposed new rules aim not only to safeguard the rights and benefits of employees who have been wrongly classified as independent contractors, but also to affirm the right of genuine independent contractors to forgo employment in favor of engaging in independently established business enterprises. 

“The work being done in New Jersey to combat worker misclassification is a testament to our state’s commitment to justice and fairness in the workplace,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “This rule proposal is a critical step in providing clear, reliable guidance to employers to help them comply with the law and prevent the illegal misclassification of employees. Not only would these new rules protect workers’ rights, but they would also ensure that bona fide independent contractors understand what makes them independent contractors, rather than employees, so that they can continue to operate with autonomy.” 

The proposed new rules outline the application of the ABC test, which is critical in determining whether a worker should be classified as an employee or an independent contractor under various New Jersey statutes, including but not limited to the Unemployment Compensation Law, the Wage and Hour Law, and the Wage Payment Law. The proposed new rules include detailed guidelines for evaluating the three prongs of the ABC test, ensuring that employers are well-informed and better equipped to make appropriate classification decisions. 

The NJDOL has consistently worked to address the issue of misclassification, which undermines workers’ access to essential benefits and protections. By codifying the NJDOL’s interpretation of the ABC test, the proposed new rules would provide clarity, reducing the risk of misclassification and enhancing compliance across industries. 

--- 

Soon after taking office, Governor Murphy created the Task Force on Misclassification, which released a comprehensive report with recommendations leading to the Governor signing a package of laws in January 2020. Passed with bipartisan support from the legislature, these laws included NJDOL’s ability to issue a stop-work order when an employer is in violation of any state wage, benefit, or tax law – a power that NJDOL has exercised 185 times – as well as a first-of-its-kind misclassification penalty that has assessed more than $10.6 million to be paid directly to over 12,500 misclassified workers since its implementation in September 2021. 

In July 2021, the Governor signed another package of misclassification laws, also with bipartisan backing, which streamlined NJDOL’s ability to work with sister agencies, created the Office of Strategic Enforcement and Compliance under NJDOL and empowered the department, through the Attorney General, to bring affirmative cases against those who violate our laws and seek permanent injunctions for forward compliance with NJ labor laws. 

With the continual bipartisan strengthening of New Jersey’s worker protection laws, the additional clarity provided by the proposed rules are more necessary than ever. 

To see all NJDOL rule proposals, visit  nj.gov/labor/research-info/legalnotices.shtml .

A 30-day comment period commenced on April 7, 2025, and will conclude on May 7, 2025, for the purpose of receiving public comments on the specially adopted new rules that establish standards and procedures for the administration and enforcement of a program regarding toll violations for unpaid electronic (E-Z Pass) tolls, fees, and penalties.

The new rules establish a 180-day Amnesty Program in advance of the commencement of a permanent enforcement program that will provide for the suspension of motor vehicle registrations for unpaid tolls, fees, and penalties owed to certain designated New Jersey, interstate, and out-of-State tolling entities.

The full text of the anticipated specially adopted new rules is posted on NJDOT’s Rules Proposals.

 

Washington, DC – The American Transportation Research Institute today released research that highlights insights and strategies for expanding truck parking at public rest areas. The research was a collaborative effort between ATRI and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), representing the 50 state Departments of Transportation, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. 

The lack of available truck parking is a perennial industry issue and one that is receiving increased attention at the state and federal levels. It is estimated that there is just one truck parking space nationally for every 11 truck drivers. 

The research included a joint ATRI / AASHTO survey of the 50 state DOTs to understand the costs and components of state provision of public truck parking spaces. In addition to creating an inventory of truck parking spaces, the research collected data on issues and costs associated with land acquisition, parking space construction, maintenance budgets and amenities offered to truck drivers. Nationally, the average rest area has 19 truck parking spaces, with states in the South having an average of 25 truck parking spaces per rest area while states in the Northeast have an average of 15 per rest area.

The research also features select case studies on truck parking topics of interest, and which states are going above and beyond in their provision of truck parking, with accompanying feedback on those efforts from a truck driver survey of over 500 drivers. Case study topics include truck parking information systems, repurposing state-owned facilities for truck parking, and truck parking provision in the event of severe weather conditions. 

ATRI used findings from the state DOT survey to generate a public truck parking dashboard that features each state’s public truck parking capacity and breadth of amenities and safety features at rest areas. The metrics evaluated in the dashboard consider differences in state size, road mileage and proximity to major freight routes. Parking data from the 47 participating state DOTS are available through an online dashboard on ATRI’s website.

“ATRI’s research underscores the importance of public sector truck parking and provides multiple tools for states to evaluate their progress in meeting this critical industry need,” said Alix Miller, Florida Trucking Association President and CEO. “We applaud FDOT for their commitment to expanding truck parking capacity and our association is committed to continued collaboration to improve freight safety and mobility in the state of Florida.”

"State DOTs strive to deliver the most safe, effective, and efficient transportation network possible; as a result, they continue to pursue a wide range of investments that enhance the nation's multimodal freight system," said Shayne Gill, program director for multimodal transportation for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. "Addressing truck parking needs across the country is one of those investments crucial to ensuring we maximize the benefits our highway system provides. American quality of life and economic mobility depend in large part on the quality and vibrancy of our transportation infrastructure to connect people as well as goods to their destinations safely. And adequate truck parking is key to ensuring we achieve those goals."

A copy of the full report and state truck parking assessment dashboard is available on ATRI's website here.