New York State announced a new interagency working group focused on the 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.”
Published June 2025
