New York State today announced a new interagency working group focused on the successful implementation of the clean vehicle transition and enhancing existing efforts to build out electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The working group includes representatives from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), New York Power Authority (NYPA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Thruway Authority, Empire State Development (ESD), Department of Public Service (DPS), Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Tax and Finance (DTF), and Office of General Services (OGS) which will collaborate with vehicle manufacturers and other stakeholders to rapidly accelerate the deployment of charging infrastructure across New York State.

The working group will help address the challenges presented by unprecedented federal actions and the resulting economic uncertainty and ensure that New York remains a leader in the transition to a clean energy economy. Objectives include:

Expanding Charging Infrastructure: 

• Develop a coordinated strategy for the rapid deployment of public and private EV charging infrastructure that can support all vehicle classes, including fast-charging stations along major highways and in underserved communities. Including leveraging the utilization of $1 billion in newly proposed climate funding, Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative revenue, and cutting red tape; 
• Evaluate and recommend solutions to ensure grid stability and reliability as EV adoption increases;
• Look to streamline regulatory processes for charging station installation and related infrastructure; and  
• Coordinate between all agencies to maximize usage of state-owned property for charging station installment. 
  

 Increasing Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Adoption: 

• Identify and recommend strategies to increase the market availability of ZEVs, including passenger vehicles and medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles; 
• Evaluate enhancing and expanding financial incentive programs to make ZEVs more affordable for consumers and businesses;
• Recommend how to increase public awareness regarding the cost saving benefits of EV ownership and addressing range anxiety; and 
• Support fleets in creating plans to aid in the transition of commercial vehicles to ZEVs. 
  

 Supporting Industry Transition: 

• Develop programs to support the transition of the transportation industry to ZEVs, including providing technical assistance and financial incentives;
• Work with manufacturers and suppliers to increase the production and availability of ZEVs and charging equipment in New York State;
• Evaluate current programs that educate and train the workforce for ZEV-related jobs; and 
• Analyze any supply chain issues including the supply chain of critical minerals and battery production as well as recommend policies that strengthen domestic manufacturing of ZEV components. 
  

DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “New York and our partners in other states are collaborating to keep clean vehicle programs on track and reducing barriers to adoption so that the many benefits of less pollution and healthier communities can be fully realized. DEC is committed to building on the remarkable progress underway to improve air quality and looks forward to continuing to collaborate on commonsense solutions for implementing the clean car transition.” 

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “New York’s transition to a zero-emission transportation system is centered on comprehensive statewide efforts aimed at increasing vehicle choice and the availability of reliable charging infrastructure. NYSERDA looks forward to joining our state partners as part of this interagency working group to accelerate market growth, expand economic opportunity, and reduce air pollution across the state.”

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The urgency of addressing climate change and fully electrifying the transportation sector has never been greater. Accelerating clean vehicle adoption requires a unified approach with state agencies collaborating with private enterprise to address growing challenges and build robust charging networks. A designated interagency working group will help drive the transformation to cleaner transportation, reduce our carbon footprint and ensure a healthier planet for future generations."

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “From expanding the state’s vehicle charging infrastructure to supporting the transition to clean energy, New York State is working to implement meaningful solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and that’s just what this new working group will collectively help the Empire State achieve.”

New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “The New York State Thruway Authority is committed to modernizing our transportation system and continuing to meet the demand of the electric vehicle charging footprint across the state. Our participation and collaboration with the interagency working group will help facilitate future infrastructure needs for EV charging stations, aligning with the state’s goals for clean energy and building on our robust charging network on the Thruway system.”

Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "This interagency working group positions New York as a national leader in the clean transportation economy. By bringing together state agencies with vehicle manufacturers and industry stakeholders, we're creating the foundation for sustainable economic growth and job creation across New York. Empire State Development is committed to supporting businesses through this transition, helping them access the resources needed to thrive in the clean energy economy while strengthening our state's competitive advantage."

Department of Public Service CEO Rory M. Christian said, “This interagency working group will bring together leaders representing important state agencies that will help create the tools and processes needed to make the transition to cleaner transportation, representing a win-win for all New Yorkers.”

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Moving toward a clean energy economy is not only necessary for New York, it also provides greater economic opportunities for our state. Expanding clean vehicle programs and ramping up production of our charging infrastructure is the next step in safeguarding our environment as well as opening doors to career opportunities for our workforce. I applaud Governor Hochul and our agency collaborators for their crucial work as we continue our transition into a green economy of the future.”

Acting Tax Commissioner Amanda Hiller said, “We’re pleased to be part of this interagency effort to accelerate the development of our state’s EV infrastructure. One key way that we’re doing this at the Tax Department is with a tax credit that encourages new investment in recharging equipment and facilities. Learn more about the Electric Vehicle Recharging Equipment Tax Credit here.”

Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “The new interagency working group will ensure Governor Hochul’s ambitious environmental goals remain within our state’s reach. OGS looks forward to continuing and strengthening the collaboration with our partner agencies and authorities as we fast-track the state’s conversion to clean vehicles.”

The creation of the working group follows multiple actions New York and other states that adopted California’s clean vehicle standards are implementing to increase charging infrastructure, incentivize EV purchases, and address recent supply chain and other production challenges driven by the instability of recent federal policies and pronouncements.

Last week, DEC issued additional enforcement discretions to vehicle manufacturers working to comply with New York’s clean vehicle requirements, New York also joined 10 other states as part of the U.S. Climate Alliance’s launch of the Affordable Clean Cars Coalition (ACCC). ACCC will sustain America’s transition to cleaner and more affordable cars, support U.S. automotive manufacturers and workers, and preserve states’ clean air authority. Alongside the launch, the Alliance announced the availability of resources to help states tackle vehicle pollution and lower barriers for consumers to more affordably own, drive, charge, and maintain cleaner cars.

State Investments in Electric Vehicles 

To date, New York State’s nearly $3 billion investment in electrifying its transportation sector has supported a range of initiatives aimed to increase access to EVs and charging while improving air quality and health outcomes for all New Yorkers. These programs include EV Make Ready, EVolve NY, Charge Ready NY 2.0, the Drive Clean Rebate, the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program, the New York School Bus Incentive Program, the Direct Current Fast Charger program, and the Municipal ZEV and ZEV Infrastructure grant programs.