Gov. Sherrill warns N.J. port operators against unloading ‘illegal’ Russian fuel shipments
In a letter sent to port operators, Sherrill warned that facilities assisting in the delivery of Russian diesel could face multimillion-dollar fines.
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New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has warned state port and terminal operators that purchasing or offloading Russian fuel shipments authorized by the Trump administration violates federal law and could trigger severe civil and criminal penalties.
In a formal letter sent to port operators across the state, Sherrill warned that facilities assisting in the delivery of Russian diesel could face multimillion-dollar fines under federal customs statutes, regardless of federal executive directives.
The warning follows the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control’s issuance of General License No. 135 on Oct. 9, which purports to allow transactions related to the importation of Russian diesel fuel into the U.S. Authorities say multiple Russian diesel tankers have since been dispatched toward the East Coast, including at least one potentially bound for New Jersey waters.
Sherrill argues that the administration’s license directly conflicts with the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act, passed by Congress in April 2022. The law enacted a statutory ban on Russian petroleum products under Chapter 27 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
According to the governor, the 2022 statute allows the ban to be lifted only if the president formally certifies to Congress that Russia has agreed to withdraw its forces from Ukraine — a condition she says has not been met.
Sherrill also said executive licensing actions that significantly alter U.S. foreign policy toward Russia require a congressional review process that has not occurred.
"These actions are illegal," Sherrill wrote, pointing to the ongoing international conflict and citing national security concerns regarding financial ties between Russia and Iran.
The governor warned terminal operators that relying on executive waivers would not protect businesses from future enforcement actions within the five-year statute of limitations under federal import laws.
Under 19 U.S.C. § 1595a(b), individuals or corporate entities participating in unlawful importations can be held liable for civil penalties equal to the full market value of the cargo introduced into U.S. ports, according to the governor.
Sherrill said New Jersey intends to deploy all state legal and regulatory tools to enforce compliance, urging port authorities to turn away any incoming tankers carrying banned cargo.
