To support the goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 per cent by 2050
Kathy Hochul took office in August, but she has already signed a bill into state law. Governor Hochul signed legislation into law, which effectively prohibits new vehicles with internal combustion engines. This announcement was made by the New York governor’s press office.
This executive directive by California Governor Gavin Newsom is mirrored if you find that familiar. It was issued in September last year.
The announcement states that all new passenger cars and trucks in New York must be emission-free by 2035. New heavy- and medium-duty trucks that will be sold in New York after 2045 must also be within the “zero emission” category.
New York state senator Pete Harckham introduced the law. It requires that all new off-road vehicles and any equipment sold in New York be zero-emissions by 2035 and by 2045.
The law also requires that a zero emission vehicle development plan be developed by 2023. New York State Energy Research and Development Authority will be leading the charge in this regard, expediting implementation of State programs and policies necessary to reach the law’s goals.
New York Department of Environmental Conservation classifies zero-emission vehicles in three categories: battery-electric vehicles; plug-in hybrid electric cars; and hydrogen fuel-cell-cell electric vehicles.
This legislation was passed before Climate Week 2021, which will be held next week. It supports New York’s ultimate goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85 per cent by 2050, as set out in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Recall that New York’s new legislation is in line with President Biden’s goal for EVs to make up half of all new car sales in America by 2030.