The American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) is taking decisive action against the root of the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations—the federal authorization that allows states to impose these mandates.

The ABMA has formally written to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, urging the agency to rescind the federal authorization that enables states to enforce ACT regulations. Without this authorization, states like New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Jersey would no longer have the power to impose these disruptive mandates, which are already causing significant challenges for LBM businesses.

ABMA members have been vocal in raising concerns, including: 

• TJ Shaheen, President of the New Jersey Building Materials Dealers Association (NJBMDA) and Vice President of Builder’s General, reports that NJBMDA members are already facing challenges due to ACT regulations. 

• Rob Bicknell, President of the Northern New York Lumber Dealers Association and Vice President of Bicknell Corporation, confirms that LBM businesses in New York are also struggling with truck availability. 

• Tony Shepley, President of Shepley Wood Products in Massachusetts, has raised concerns publicly, even sending a letter directly to Governor Maura Healey outlining the negative impact of ACT regulations. 

• Jeremy Baker, Legislative Chair of the Vermont Retail Lumber Dealers Association and Fleet & Safety Director for rk Miles, reports the same truck availability issues affecting LBM businesses in Vermont. 

At the state level ABMA members have also penned letters to the editor in their communities, highlighting the challenges these regulations create for LBM businesses. 

The financial burden of ACT regulations is staggering for LBM businesses, which rely heavily on medium-duty trucks for deliveries. A diesel-powered medium-duty truck typically costs $70,000 to $90,000, while an electric equivalent costs $150,000 to $250,000—a difference of up to $160,000 per truck. Beyond the upfront costs, businesses also face charging infrastructure expenses, which can range from $50,000 to $200,000 per charger, depending on power requirements and site upgrades.

Operationally, electric trucks are not a one-for-one replacement for diesel. Battery weight reduces load capacity, often cutting payloads by 2,000 to 5,000 pounds, meaning more trucks are needed to move the same amount of material. Limited charging infrastructure and long charging times further disrupt delivery schedules, creating significant logistical challenges for businesses that depend on efficiency.

EPA Administrator Zeldin Responds

Following ABMA’s communications with the EPA, Administrator Zeldin announced that the agency will move to revoke the federal authorization that allows states to adopt ACT regulations. Under Zeldin’s leadership, the EPA will begin the formal process by submitting reports to Congress, to have the rule rescinded.

This development marks a significant step in ABMA’s fight to protect LBM businesses from costly and disruptive mandates. ABMA will continue to work with federal policymakers and industry leaders to ensure that regulatory reforms reflect the realities of the supply chain and workforce challenges facing LBM businesses today.