Cars and trucks that are sold in New York will need to be zero emission by 2035. A bill that requires all passenger cars and trucks sold in the state to be zero emissions was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul.
The new law also covers medium- and heavy-duty trucks. That won’t kick in until 2045, though.
“The best way to ramp up our fight against the climate crisis is to transition to new vehicles that are entirely free of carbon and other toxic emissions, and so I am thankful to Governor Hochul for signing the zero emissions legislation,” said Sen. Peter Harckham, who sponsored the bill.
Environmental advocates say the bill is a win for the state and for the climate crisis that’s brewing across the planet.
“We need to significantly reduce transportation emissions if we hope to reach our ambitious climate goals, and this is a good step in the right direction,” said Julie Tighe, the president of the New York League of Conservation Voters. “Both initiatives will help to slash emissions, improve air quality and public health, and expand the electric car and truck market in New York.”