New York to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035

New York becomes the second state after California to prohibit the sale of gas-powered cars. On Thursday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she is directing the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation to implement new requirements for passenger vehicles. 

Starting from 2035, all new passenger cars, including pickup trucks and SUVs sold in New York State, must be zero-emission vehicles. Currently, the transportation sector is responsible for the highest share (47 percent) of New York’s gas emissions. The new measure, introduced by Gov. Hochul, will help the state reach its goal of reducing greenhouse gasses by at least 85 percent by 2050. 

"New York is a national climate leader and an economic powerhouse, and we're using our strength to help spur innovation and implementation of zero-emission vehicles on a grand scale," Governor Hochul said in a statement. "We're driving New York's transition to clean transportation forward, and today's announcement will benefit our climate and the health of our communities for generations to come."

The state officials expect that 35 percent of cars produced and sold in 2026 will be gas-free. This share will gradually increase to 68 percent by 2030 and to 100 percent by 2035. To reach this target, Gov. Hochul plans to donate $10 million to the Drive Clean rebate program, which offers tax rebates of up to $2,000 to New Yorkers who buy an electric vehicle. 

According to the press release, New York will receive $175 million in federal funding over the next five years to expand the charging network for electric vehicles. Earlier this year, Gov. Hochul revealed plans to install more than 100 high-speed charging ports across the state, including ten at LaGuardia Airport and Port Authority. 

California took the lead in banning the sale of gas-powered vehicles. At the end of August, the California Air Resources Board voted in favor of implementing the policy that will require automakers to produce more clean-energy vehicles. The sale of gasoline-powered vehicles will be banned in California starting in 2035. However, this regulation does not prohibit people from buying and selling gas cars on the used market. 

Resources:

“Governor Hochul Drives Forward New York's Transition to Clean Transportation,” by Governor Kathy Hochul (New York State, 2022)

“Governor Hochul Announces New York State Electric Vehicle Programs' Progress and Encourages New Yorkers to Visit Indoor Electric Vehicle Test Track at New York International Auto Show,” by Governor Kathy Hochul (New York State, 2022)

“New York expedites efforts to ban the sale of new gas cars by 2035,” by Catherine Clifford (CNBC, 2022)

“Gas-powered cars will no longer be sold in New York State starting 2035,” by Anna Rahmanan (Time Out, 2022)

“NY Implements 2035 All-EV Plan After California Clears the Way,” by Kira Bindrim (Bloomberg, 2022)

“California bans the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035,” by Emma Newburger (CNBC, 2022)