Summary

This bill will amend Environmental Conservation Law relating the Climate Smart Communities Projects, paragraph b of subdivision 3 of section 54-1521, to increase the rebates available to municipalities for the cost of infrastructure projects that support clean vehicles.  

Explanation

This legislation increases rebates to municipalities for the cost of electric vehicles (EV) and related infrastructure projects from $750 to $1500, with a cap at $7500 per vehicle.  

In 2019 New York passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) which requires a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 85% by 2050 as well as a transition to 70 percent renewable energy by 2030. The CLCPA calls for an economy wide transition away from fossil fuels and towards clean, renewable energy, and the transportation sector is a key component of this transition. Emissions from transportation are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the state accounting for 36% of overall emissions.  

Transportation related emissions not only contribute to climate change but are a significant public health risk as a major contributor to air pollution. Transportation related emissions produce particulate matter 2.5 which is the largest environmental health risk in the country, with Black and brown communities experiencing the highest levels of air pollution putting them at greater risk. Transportation emissions can lead to many negative health impacts such as heart disease, impaired lung function and the development of asthma, damage to the nervous system, diabetes and low birth weight. Transitioning to EVs will decrease harmful air pollution from vehicles while helping New York achieve the goals of the CLCPA.  

While the price of EVs has dropped over the years, the infrastructure and cost of EVs is not yet cost competitive with traditional gasoline vehicles which can present a challenge for municipalities. By expanding the rebate amounts available to municipalities for EVs and accompanying infrastructure, EVs can be more accessible to municipalities which will improve air quality and health outcomes across the state.   

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