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FUMING drivers have erupted over a frustrating green car law aimed at reducing fossil fuel emissions.
Drivers said they have no choice but to leave the state to buy affordable gas vehicles.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is requiring all cars made in the state to be zero-emissions by 2035[/caption]
She has allocated millions towards building EV infrastructure in the city[/caption]
This comes as New York Governor Kathy Hochul works to implement environmentally friendly legislation.
The Hochul administration has set a demanding green rule that requires 35% of 2026 model cars sold to be “emissions-free,” as reported by the New York Post.
An emissions-free vehicle means its engine, motor, or any other energy source emits no waste that could pollute the environment.
One New York City driver said they’re all for the new rule.
“If there’s one think that will make New York centrists leave the state – it’ll be losing the ability to purchase a reasonably-priced gas vehicle,” they commented.
“They’ll pick up and move anywhere else.”
While others are concerned that the city won’t be able to handle that many electric vehicles properly.
“Insanity at its finest,” they commented.
“The grid will never handle the additional load in the summer. Another nail in NY coffin.”
Andy Guelcher, a Chevrolet dealer in Ballston Spa, said the infrastructure isn’t where it needs to be for the city to make the switch to electric.
“When inventory of gas-powered vehicles runs out, local consumers will be forced to choose between purchasing a vehicle locally they do not want or going out of state to purchase a car,” Guelcher said.
“While setting environmental sustainability goals is laudable, hitting 35% is next to impossible — and consumers will be left holding the bag. It is unrealistic to assume a 300% year-over-year increase in demand for zero-emission vehicles,” he added.
In February, the governor announced a $60 million transaction that was allocated toward making electric vehicle charging infrastructure, as stated in a press release.
This is part of Hochul’s push for city drivers to transition into the EV world as electric vehicles get cheaper and more accessible.
Advanced Clean Car Mandate II
This mandate sets rules and regulations that require all new passenger cars sold in New York State to be zero-emissions by 2035. The mandate hopes to:
- Accelerate zero-emission car sales
- Improve air quality statewide
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050
- Revise pollutant standards for the model year 2026 through the model year 2034 passenger cars
“In support of the transition to a clean energy economy, it is critical that we continue to build electric vehicle infrastructure to ease the shift to EV ownership for more New Yorkers, especially those in urban areas,” Governor Hochul said.
“This significant investment addresses the key need of providing electric vehicle users in New York City with much-needed public charging options while reducing local emissions” she added.
The governor’s Advanced Clean Cars II mandates that all cars be free of fossil fuels within the next ten years.
However, the city’s auto dealers said the deadline to meet Hochul’s zero-emissions goals is pretty unrealistic.
It’s not just about manufacturing or selling the vehicles.
Car dealerships are also tasked with getting consumers to buy electric vehicles or switch over from their trusted gas cars.
“The deadlines don’t match the reality,” said Jack Weidinger, chairman of the Greater Automobile Dealers Association of NY.
“Dealers want to extend the deadline so we don’t destroy the market,” he said.
With this new bill, drivers with gas-powered vehicles will have to pay exorbitant prices to keep their cars running.
Hochul’s administration did not immediately reply to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
