Category: Town of Stony Point

Stony Point, NY – In a move poised to dramatically transform commuter travel in Rockland County, New York State Senator Pete Harckham has voiced strong support for integrating the Bergen Loop into the ambitious Gateway Development Project. This initiative seeks to provide a direct, one-seat train ride from New Jersey’s Pascack Valley, Main, and Bergen lines to Manhattan’s New York Penn Station, eliminating the need for transfers and significantly reducing travel times.

The Bergen Loop, part of the comprehensive Gateway Program designed to modernize and expand rail service across the most congested sections of the Northeast Corridor, has lingered in the planning stages since its initial unveiling in 2018. Despite its early inclusion, progress toward realizing a one-seat ride for West of Hudson commuters has stalled, prompting Harckham’s recent call to action.

In a letter addressed to Balpreet Grewal-Virk and Alicia Glen, co-chairs of the Gateway Development Commission overseeing the program, Harckham emphasized the urgent need for enhanced public transportation options for Rockland County residents. The current requirement to transfer at Frank R. Lautenberg Station in Secaucus Junction, he noted, not only increases travel times but also discourages many from using public transit altogether.

“Rockland County commuters stand in dire need of streamlined public transportation into New York City,” Harckham wrote. “Revitalizing the Bergen Loop project will radically change the Rocklanders and all commuters West of the Hudson approach transportation, spurring drastic economic development from these communities and supporting New York State’s collective climate and traffic congestion goals.”

The senator highlighted the environmental and health benefits of reducing car travel, particularly in areas like Bergen and Rockland counties, which struggle with ozone levels that can affect residents’ health. The Gateway Program, including the Bergen Loop, aims to alleviate some of these issues by offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to road travel.

The Gateway Development Project promises to double the number of tracks entering Manhattan from New Jersey, incorporating a new tunnel under the Hudson River alongside extensive repairs and improvements to existing infrastructure. This ambitious undertaking seeks not only to enhance daily commutes but also to support economic growth, increase property values, and promote a more sustainable and interconnected regional transportation network.

“The Gateway Program’s success will be measured by its ability to champion equity and connectivity across all regions,” concluded Harckham. “Completing the Bergen Loop is not just a matter of convenience for one county; it is a step towards a stronger, interconnected network across our region and a healthier environment.”

As the Gateway Program continues to evolve, Harckham’s advocacy underscores the critical role of the Bergen Loop in achieving a more accessible, efficient, and sustainable future for public transportation in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area.

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.