Summary

This legislation amends the Environmental Conservation Law to mandate a goal that all passenger cars and trucks sold or leased in New York be zero-emissions by 2035, that all off-road vehicles and equipment sold or leased in New York be zero-emissions by 2035, and that all medium and heavy-duty vehicles be zero-emission by 2045. The bill also directs the state to develop a comprehensive plan to guide the transition to an all–electric transportation sector. 

Explanation

This bill sets a goal of requiring all passenger vehicles sold or leased in New York State be zero-emissions by 2035 and all medium and heavy–duty vehicles be zero-emission by 2045.  Electrifying our transportation sector is critical to meeting the greenhouse gas reduction goals of 40 percent reduced emissions by 2030 and 85 percent reduction by 2050 mandated by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). 

The transition from vehicles powered by internal combustion engines to a transportation system powered by electricity will address the largest climate and air pollution source in New York State. Gasoline and diesel fueled vehicles are responsible for smog, soot, and toxic particulate matter that drive adverse health outcomes affecting our children and those suffering from chronic illness. Moreover, electric vehicles cost 50 to 70 percent less to operate than their gas-guzzling counterparts, bringing significant economic benefits to households, businesses, and governments. 

Governments around the world, including the United Kingdom, Norway, and Canada, are moving to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel fueled vehicles. In 2020,  California announced it will require 100-percent of new passenger vehicles sold in the state be zero-emission by 2035. Several major automobile manufacturers have made commitments to fully transition to electric vehicles over the next decade, including General Motors, Volvo, and Jaguar. 

The CLCPA sets a clear mandate to phase-out the use of fossil fuels and transition to a fully electrified transportation system. This legislation establishes a roadmap to transition off fossil fuels in a just and equitable manner.  

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