The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has awarded $342,500 in grants to 17 municipalities to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by adding zero-emission vehicles to their fleets. The funding, part of the DEC’s Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Program, supports New York’s efforts under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act).
The grants will enable municipalities across the state to purchase or lease battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, advancing the state’s push to cut transportation-related emissions. Interim DEC Commissioner Sean Mahar emphasized the program’s dual benefits of environmental protection and cost savings.
“New York is committed to reducing pollution, particularly from the transportation sector, by investing in electric vehicles and infrastructure,” Mahar said. “The ZEV Rebate Program helps communities green their fleets, reduce fuel costs, and save taxpayers money while improving air quality and public health.”
The 2024 awards will fund the acquisition of 50 electric vehicles in municipalities statewide, with recipients ranging from small villages to large counties. Notable recipients include Tompkins County, which will receive $80,000 to add 11 electric vehicles, and the City of Plattsburgh, awarded $45,000 for six electric vehicles. Other beneficiaries include New Rochelle ($30,000 for four vehicles), East Hampton ($25,000 for four vehicles), and Schenectady ($30,000 for four vehicles).
Since its inception in 2016, the ZEV Rebate Program has provided over $1.8 million in grants to support municipal electric vehicle purchases.
In addition to vehicle funding, Governor Kathy Hochul announced $5.5 million in available grants in September 2024 to support the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and hydrogen fuel filling stations. Applications for this program are due by February 28, 2025, as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to expand electric vehicle accessibility.
Municipalities interested in the ZEV Rebate Program or infrastructure grants can find more information on the DEC’s website.
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