Gov. Sherrill warns New Jersey ports against accepting Russian diesel despite Trump administration authorization
TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill is warning New Jersey port and terminal operators that accepting shipments of Russian diesel fuel could violate federal law and expose businesses to significant civil and criminal penalties, despite a recent authorization issued by the Trump administration.
In a letter to port and terminal operators, Sherrill challenged an Oct. 9 authorization by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control that permits certain transactions involving Russian diesel imports. She argued that the authorization conflicts with a federal law enacted in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The warning comes as Russian diesel tankers are reportedly traveling toward the United States, including at least one vessel that Sherrill said may be headed toward the New Jersey coast.
“New Jersey will not stand by while Donald Trump supports Vladimir Putin at the expense of Americans. Instead of lowering costs, he is helping finance Putin’s war against Ukraine and a global campaign of violence and terror that endangers U.S. servicemembers abroad. As a Navy veteran, I cannot let that stand unchallenged, and New Jersey’s ports shouldn’t be complicit. Every port and terminal operator, intermediary, and buyer is on notice: do not help bring illegal Russian diesel into New Jersey,” Sherrill said.
In her letter, Sherrill cited the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act, which Congress passed in April 2022. The law prohibits imports of certain Russian energy products, including diesel fuel, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Sherrill argued that the law does not give the president or Treasury Department unrestricted authority to waive the import restrictions through general licenses. She said the legislation provides a process for lifting the restrictions that requires presidential certification of certain conditions, including Russia’s agreement to withdraw its forces from Ukraine.
According to Sherrill, no such certification has been made.
She also contended that the Treasury Department’s General License No. 135, issued Oct. 9, requires congressional review because it represents a significant change in U.S. foreign policy toward Russia. Sherrill argued that the required review process has not been initiated or completed.
The governor warned that businesses participating in imports later determined to be unlawful could face financial penalties equal to the value of the imported products. She cited federal customs law and noted that the applicable statute of limitations could extend five years.
Sherrill also criticized the administration’s decision on national security grounds, arguing that purchasing Russian oil would provide financial support to a country that maintains ties with Iran. Her letter linked those concerns to ongoing hostilities involving U.S. forces.
The governor urged port operators to reject tankers carrying Russian diesel and said New Jersey would consider using its available legal and regulatory authority to prevent shipments she believes violate federal law.
The dispute centers on whether the Treasury Department’s authorization can legally permit imports covered by the 2022 congressional ban. Sherrill’s interpretation is a legal position advanced by her administration, rather than a court determination that the shipments are unlawful.
