New Jersey Governor Threatened Ports with Million-Dollar Fines for Russian Diesel: "This Violates Fe

New Jersey Governor Threatened Ports with Million-Dollar Fines for Russian Diesel: "This Violates Federal Law"

Democratic New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill sent a letter on November 2 to 12 port and terminal operators, warning that unloading Russian diesel fuel, authorized by the Trump administration, violates federal law and could entail serious civil and criminal consequences.

The Essence of the Conflict

On October 9, the US Treasury issued General License No. 135, permitting transactions with Russian diesel, including its import into the US, until April 7, 2027. This decision was made after Trump's conversation with Putin and was supposed to lower fuel prices ahead of the midterm elections.

Sherrill claims that the license contradicts the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-109), which prohibits the import of all Russian energy products, including diesel (Chapter 27 of the US Customs Tariff). The law allows the ban to be lifted in only one way: the president must certify that Russia has agreed to withdraw troops from Ukraine, does not pose a military threat to NATO, and recognizes the right of Ukrainians to choose their government. After that, Congress has 90 days to override the certification. According to Sherrill, none of these conditions has been met.

Scale of the Threat

Citing 19 U.S.C. § 1595a(b), the governor pointed out: the fine equals the value of the cargo. For a tanker of diesel, that is millions of dollars. The statute of limitations is five years, meaning fines could catch up with companies "long after Trump leaves office."

Congressmen from the Ukrainian Caucus also warned that liability extends not only to the importer but also to buyers, sellers, customs brokers, terminal operators, and carriers. Under 18 U.S.C. § 545, up to 20 years in prison is provided for.

What's Next

Until a court puts an end to it, terminal owners are forced to choose between the state's instruction and the federal license. Sherrill promised to use "all available legal and regulatory tools" to ensure New Jersey ports do not become part of the scheme.

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