Governor Kathy Hochul declared a significant stride in the state’s aggressive push toward green transportation. The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) has greenlit New York’s plan to expand its fast-charging station network for electric vehicles (EVs), paving the way for an injection of $37.4 million in federal funds to further the initiative.
“This is a pivotal move in our overarching strategy to transition to zero-emission vehicles and drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Hochul stated. She underscored the importance of a vast, user-friendly charging network in persuading more New Yorkers to switch to electric vehicles and heralded the eventual end of conventional gas stations.
This green signal allows the State Department of Transportation and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to allocate the initial $20 million from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. These funds aim to bridge existing gaps in charging infrastructure along vital state highways. Most of these new stations, fitting into the state’s ambitious roadmap, are slated for completion by late 2024.
The NEVI program, birthed from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provides federal funding for states to bolster their EV Level 3 Direct Current Fast Charging systems. Emphasizing proximity to interstate highway exits, New York is poised to receive a staggering $175 million over half a decade, contingent upon annual reviews of its spending plans by the FHA.
Marie Therese Dominguez, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation, expressed pride in the initiative, viewing it as a significant boost to the state’s efforts to mitigate global warming and make EVs a prime choice for motorists. Justin E. Driscoll, NYPA’s President and CEO, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating that such partnerships are instrumental in extending the EVolve NY charging network.
Amid growing climate concerns, New York’s commitment to electrifying its transportation segment stands out. The state’s progressive climate blueprint underscores the drive to electrify its transportation sector, investing $1 billion toward this end. This initiative aligns with broader goals to achieve carbon neutrality, with 70% renewable energy by 2030 and a zero-emission power sector by 2040.
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