Cindy Carr, (202) 495-3034 or cindy.carr@sierraclub.org
New York -- Today, in response to a formal petition filed by the Sierra Club and a coalition of 40 environmental, environmental justice, labor, and transportation industry stakeholders, the New York Public Service Commission opened a new proceeding to expand New York’s electric vehicle (EV) market.
This proceeding is a first step toward a coordinated, proactive approach to meeting the state’s ChargeNY goals and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets, but with approximately 24,000 EVs and 2,000 charging stations to date, New York is still far from meeting its 2025 zero emission vehicle (ZEV) goals (around 850,000 EVs on the road) and 2021 ChargeNY commitments (10,000 charging stations). The Commission will begin the proceeding with a whitepaper prepared by PSC staff, followed by a technical conference and public comment period.
The coalition will continue to work to ensure that this new proceeding achieves significant and timely increases in EV market growth through utility and private investment in EV charging infrastructure, utility load management and rate design options to incentivize customer savings, and utility education and outreach programs to ensure customers know how beneficial EVs can be for their health and their wallets.
Quotes in response from petition signers are below:
Sierra Club, Lisa Dix, Senior New York Representative: “Today’s announcement is an important first step forward, and by implementing the new proceeding and continuing to advance ongoing individual utility programs, New York will finally be on track to meet its climate goals, reduce emissions, and ensure clean air and water for all New Yorkers. The Sierra Club looks forward to working with the Commission to rapidly expand the state’s EV market and establish New York as a leader in clean transportation.”
Natural Resources Defense Council, Luke Tonachel, Director of Clean Vehicles and Fuels: “Accelerating the electric vehicle market will reduce pollution and boost the New York economy by keeping more transportation energy dollars in the state. This proceeding is an important step to achieving clean, affordable mobility for all New Yorkers.”
Siemens, Chris King, Smart Grid Global Chief Regulatory Officer: “Siemens is a firm believer that the future of transportation is based on electrification and looks forward to working with stakeholders in this proceeding as the great state of New York moves forward.”
Sustainable Hudson Valley, Melissa Everett, Executive Director: "Electric vehicle technology is advancing fast, and public policy needs to keep pace. Fortunately there is another ingredient in the mix - public opinion - which is increasingly supporting the rapid deployment of EVs. We encourage strong support of EV infrastructure development by the PSC.”
Environmental Defense Fund, Rory Christian, New York Clean Energy Director: “Electric vehicles are fast becoming the vehicle of choice for a growing segment of the population. This new proceeding can help lay the foundation for a future where New York State can maximize the economic, social and environmental benefits of electric vehicles for years to come.”
ChargePoint, Kevin Miller, Director of Public Policy: “Today’s vote by the Public Service Commission will help to ensure that New Yorkers have the world-class EV charging network they deserve. Utilities can play a key role in the transition to electric vehicles by complementing private market investment, promoting customer choice in equipment and network services, and supporting equitable access to electric transportation. ChargePoint looks forward to working with the Commission, utilities, and other stakeholders to make it easier to drive and ride electric in New York.”
New Yorkers for Clean Power, Elizabeth Broad, Outreach Director: "The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in New York State so it is imperative that we act quickly to electrify all vehicles. This new proceeding is a vital step to accelerate beneficial electrification and move closer to reaching our climate goals."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.