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Gov. Hochul wants all NY sold cars to have zero emissions by 2035

Gov. Kathy Hochul stands behind a podium in the middle of two flags.
Mike Groll
/
Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul
Gov. Kathy Hochul delivers a COVID-19 update in the Red Room at the State Capitol, Sept. 15, 2021.

Gov. Kathy Hochul wants New York to follow California’s lead by requiring all new cars, pick-ups, and SUVs sold in the state to be zero emissions by 2035.

Hochul’s announcement coincides with National Drive Electric Week. A release from the governor’s office said a new regulation will require increasing the percentage of vehicle sales to be zero emission, or electric, starting with 35% in 2026. That would increase to 68% of sales by 2030, then all sales in 2035.

Meanwhile, the state will impose new pollutant standards for gas-powered vehicles between 2026 and 2035.

The regulation does provide manufacturers with flexibility in meeting the emission requirements and transitioning to zero-emission vehicles.

Scott Willis covers politics, local government, transportation, and arts and culture for WAER. He came to Syracuse from Detroit in 2001, where he began his career in radio as an intern and freelance reporter. Scott is honored and privileged to bring the day’s news and in-depth feature reporting to WAER’s dedicated and generous listeners. You can find him on twitter @swillisWAER and email him at srwillis@syr.edu.