Albany, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham, alongside advocates from prominent environmental groups, introduced new legislation aimed at increasing sales of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) statewide. The bill, S.7767, proposes measures to bolster ZEV sales if predetermined targets are not met, aligning with the state’s goal of transitioning to zero-emission transportation.
Currently, New York falls short of its objective to have all new passenger cars and trucks sold in the state be zero emissions by 2035. Senator Harckham’s bill follows recommendations outlined in the Climate Action Scoping Plan, intending to ramp up ZEV availability by expanding direct-to-consumer sales by manufacturers if car dealerships fail to achieve set ZEV sales targets.
Harckham emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and public health concerns related to air pollution, stating, “In order to meet the carbon-free, reduced greenhouse gas emissions goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, we need to create a defined goal model of increased sales of new zero-emission vehicle sales in New York.”
Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages, sponsor of the bill in the Assembly, echoed Harckham’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for immediate action to combat the climate crisis. Solages stressed that facilitating the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs) is a crucial step towards achieving emission reduction goals.
The proposed legislation modifies an earlier bill regulating direct sales of EVs and ZEVs, making authorization for direct sales contingent on market conditions. If New York fails to meet specified targets for ZEV sales, the bill would enable the expansion of direct sales locations for ZEV manufacturers.
Despite recent milestones in EV adoption, including a record 1.2 million EVs purchased in the United States in 2023, New York lags in meeting its ZEV goals. The bill seeks to address this gap by providing alternative avenues for ZEV sales if traditional car dealerships fall short.
Supporters of the legislation, including environmental advocacy groups and industry stakeholders, commend its potential to accelerate ZEV adoption. Deb Peck Kelleher, interim director of the Alliance for Clean Energy, emphasized the bill’s role in promoting consumer-friendly climate initiatives.
The bill’s benchmarks include gradually increasing ZEV sales targets, with provisions for expanding ZEV sales locations if targets are not met by specified dates. The legislation aims to stimulate job growth and boost sales tax revenue statewide through increased ZEV adoption.
The introduction of this legislation marks a significant step towards advancing New York’s clean energy transition and combating climate change. Advocates urge swift legislative action to address transportation emissions and accelerate the shift towards a sustainable transportation future.