Following California Governor, Gavin Newsom’s, announcement banning the sale of new gas-powered cars starting in 2035, a similar bill was introduced in New York. New York state senator, Pete Harckham, introduced a bill on September 25th that would require all sales of nee cars and trucks to be zero emissions in New York State by 2035. Harckham’s bill has received little to no media coverage which is surprising as Newsom’s bill has been heavily criticized.
Although Harckham mentioned he would like the switch to electric to happen sooner, the bill’s current timeline will require that all New York sales of off-road vehicles and power equipment be zero emissions by 2035. In addition, all medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks will reach zero by 2045.
The quest to affordable charging for electric vehicles has been accelerated thanks to the New York Climate Act‘s 22-member Climate Action Council and state agencies who mainly focus on providing access to charging in low-income areas.
Furthermore, the bill looks to move away from fossil fuel production facilities asking regulatory processes to be expedited. Progress in this area is expected to be seen by July 15, 2021.