The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Air and Waste is seeking public input on a proposed amendment to the state’s Advance Clean Truck rule, according to a March 16 announcement. The department is considering delaying enforcement of the regulation for another year, moving the effective date to 2027.
The Advance Clean Truck rule aims to limit the number of non-electric medium and heavy-duty trucks operating in Massachusetts. This policy, modeled after California’s regulations, has faced criticism from business groups who say it is not feasible due to current limitations in electric truck infrastructure, technology, inventory, and cost.
Last year, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) joined a coalition that successfully advocated for an initial delay in implementing the rule. NFIB has now submitted comments urging the department to extend the delay beyond 2027. The organization said many small businesses depend on these types of trucks and that enforcing the rule as planned would increase operational difficulties and costs for local businesses.
Members of the public interested in commenting on how this mandate could affect small businesses have until March 26 to submit their feedback. Written comments can be sent by email to ngoc.hoang@mass.gov or by mail to Ngoc Hoang at MassDEP Bureau of Air and Waste, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114.
Questions about the process or requests for additional information can be directed to Christopher Carlozzi at Christopher.Carlozzi@nfib.org.
