Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
ALBANY, NY– This week, the New York Department of Public Service (NYDPS) released a “make ready” incentive plan for utilities to spend more than half a billion dollars in workplace and public electric vehicle charging stations, accelerating New York’s goal of having 850,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025 by creating a robust charging network across the state.
This new proposal comes after over a year of advocacy from a broad coalition of environmental NGOs, environmental justice organizations, labor groups, business associations, automakers, bus manufacturers, EV charging service providers, and other organizations.
Transportation, the state’s leading source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, makes up 37% of emissions in New York.
Highlights of the plan include:
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Funds make-ready infrastructure for 79,000 workplace charging stations, over 49,000 public Level 2 stations and 3,287 DC Fast charging stations
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$2.6 Billion in projected net benefits
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Plan designed to guarantee 20% of each utility’s budget is directed within 10 miles of a disadvantaged community, to increase the visibility and accessibility of EV charging infrastructure as well as increase electric miles driven by ride-hailing services in and around environmental justice areas
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Utilities will cover 90% of the cost of make-ready infrastructure for chargers Utilities must incorporate EV charging into their planning processes
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Education and outreach for developers
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Requires aiding developers in the siting and publishing of load-serving capacity map
In response, Allison Considine, New York Campaign Representative with the Sierra Club, released the following statement:
“We need all hands on deck to support critical electrification infrastructure and maximize the benefits of the electric vehicle revolution for all of New York’s residents. This week, the Cuomo administration delivered the type of forward-thinking leadership needed for New York to reduce emissions from transportation and accelerate climate progress. We applaud NYDPS for listening to the voices of advocates calling for utility investment in EV charging and look forward to working with the Cuomo administration to help make electric vehicles as affordable, accessible, and convenient to charge as possible for all of New York’s residents.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.