Governor Cuomo and state legislators have included a rebate program for zero-emission and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles within the SFY2016-17 Budget. The program will provide consumers with a $2,000 per vehicle credit
For Immediate Release: April 1, 2016
Electric Vehicle Rebate Integral to Reaching NY’s Climate and Clean Energy Goals
New Budget Program Positions State as Clean Car Leader
Albany – Governor Cuomo and state legislators have included a rebate program for zero-emission and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles within the SFY2016-17 Budget. The program will provide consumers with a $2,000 per vehicle credit, and appears in Part AA of the Transportation, Environmental Conservation, and Economic Development bill (S.6408C/A.9008C). The program moves us closer to achieving Cuomo Administration commitments: reducing climate-altering pollution 80 percent by 2050, and putting more than 800,000 zero-emission vehicles on the roads in New York State by 2025.
The Environmental Protection Fund will also support public electric vehicle infrastructure and provide up to $5,000 for each electric vehicle a local government buys.
The program now heads to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for implementation.
The following statement is attributable to Peter Iwanowicz, executive director of Environmental Advocates NY:
“New York State has been a leader when it comes to reducing carbon pollution from power plants, but until now we lacked a program to help consumers move to clean cars and away from fossil fuel-guzzling machines. This program—coupled with what is happening in other states—has the potential to unleash innovation within the U.S. auto industry and will result in cleaner, healthier air.
Today, over one-third of the state’s carbon emissions come from the transportation sector. An 80 percent reduction in climate pollution by 2050 means that in less than 34 years, New York State will have no more gas stations. There will be no need for fossil fuel infrastructure, and every car on the road will run on clean, renewable energy.
These are aggressive goals, for sure, which are achievable if we don’t lose sight of what’s at stake, and continue to advocate and implement programs like this, which grow the clean car industry and empower consumers.
The next steps to finalize the electric vehicle rebate program are crucial. We must ensure that the full weight and muscle of NYSERDA is behind both fully funding and implementing the program, and is supported by a robust marketing plan that attracts consumers and gets auto dealers on board.
Environmental Advocates NY applauds Governor Cuomo and legislators for delivering on clean cars. We also want to thank the broad coalition of advocates and automakers who partnered with us to position New York as an electric vehicle leader.”
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