New York state has rolled out what it calls the “most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation,” the cornerstone of which is the goal to sell only zero-emission new cars and trucks in the state by 2035. 

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation to that effect and told the state Department of Environmental Conservation to begin a crackdown on current truck emissions via proposed new regulatory standards. The state had previously proposed an internal combustion engine ban earlier in the year - it is now law, Kallanish notes.

"New York is implementing the nation's most aggressive plan to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions affecting our climate and to reach our ambitious goals, we must reduce emissions from the transportation sector, currently the largest source of the state's climate pollution," says Governor Hochul. "The new law and regulation mark a critical milestone in our efforts and will further advance the transition to clean electric vehicles, while helping to reduce emissions in communities that have been overburdened by pollution from cars and trucks for decades."  

In addition to making all new light-duty sales zero-emission by 2035, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles must be zero-emission by 2045. The state will also create a zero-emission vehicle development strategy by 2023, spearheaded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. 

“By signing this landmark legislation, Governor Hochul has put New York State front and centre in the fight to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make New York a worldwide leader in combating global climate change,” says State Department of Transportation commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. “Transportation is an integral part of everyday life in New York and by taking these steps to reduce emissions, we are ensuring a better New York and a better world for future generations."