All new vehicles sold in New York will have to be zero-emission by 2035.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation confirmed the change in a recent announcement after a series of steps were taken by lawmakers and Governor Kathy Hochul.
New York has become the latest state to adopt the Advanced Clear Car II regulations, which is a move that will further reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the board.
However, there are major challenges to overcome if all new vehicles sold in New York will be zero emission, or electric by 2035. The state says the new standard will greatly help poor communities, which have been hardest hit by these emissions. That said, electric vehicles are extremely expensive compared to their gas-engine versions.
Advocates say a lot can change in a decade and that the state will step-up efforts to make it happen. This will have to mean massive spending to make electric vehicles more affordable, and the technology that powers them – more widely available. Vast swaths of Upstate New York are currently lacking in charging capability.
But the state doesn’t have time to waste, because select benchmarks will be required even in the next 3-4 years as the move happens.
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