New Jersey's governor warns ports against accepting Russian diesel
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is warning local port officials against accepting imported Russian diesel, saying shipments would violate federal law.
In a Nov. 2 letter, Sherrill emphasized that Congress banned Russian energy imports in April 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. She warned that accepting Russian diesel would violate this ban and could result in civil and criminal charges, pledging to use legal measures to prevent New Jersey's ports from handling such shipments.
The warning comes despite President Trump's October claim that Putin had agreed to release millions of tons of diesel for U.S. and global markets, and the Treasury Department's Oct. 9 announcement of temporary sanctions waivers on Russia's energy sector.
Legal Dispute
Sherrill, a Democrat and Navy veteran, stated that Trump and Treasury officials lack authority to override congressional sanctions. "New Jersey will not stand by while Donald Trump supports Vladimir Putin at the expense of Americans," she declared, accusing the administration of "helping finance Putin's war against Ukraine."
As a Navy veteran, I cannot let that stand unchallenged, and New Jersey's ports shouldn't be complicit.
Market Impact
Russia has already sent multiple oil tankers carrying diesel to the U.S., including potentially one bound for New Jersey. Sherrill vowed to "turn away any tanker" attempting to use state facilities for "unlawful activity."
U.S. diesel prices remain elevated at $6.29 per gallon as of Tuesday, down from September's record $6.53 but significantly higher than last year's $3.68 average. The surge is attributed to the Iran conflict and Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries.
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