Auto dealers in New York are pushing back against a state mandate set by Governor Kathy Hochul that requires 35% of model cars sold in the state in 2026 to be emissions-free, with a goal of all cars being free of fossil fuel emissions by 2035. The dealers argue that these deadlines are unrealistic and do not match the current state of the industry. They are concerned about the lack of infrastructure, such as charging stations, needed for a significant increase in sales of electric vehicles.
One dealer, Jack Weidinger, stated that the deadlines set by the mandate do not align with reality, and that extending them would be necessary to avoid market destruction. Another dealer, Andy Guelcher, pointed out that the current rate of electric vehicles sales in the state is only 8-9%, making it unlikely that the 35% goal will be met next year. He also raised concerns about the impact on consumers if the mandate is enforced, warning that prices for gas-powered vehicles could increase and that consumers may be forced to purchase cars from out-of-state.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) defended the mandate, stating that the goal is to transition to electric vehicles for health, environmental, and economic benefits, and that the mandate primarily applies to manufacturers, not consumers or dealers. The agency aims to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to electric vehicles. The DEC highlighted that the cost of electric cars is near parity with gas-powered vehicles and that there are sufficient charging stations in the state, with most motorists charging their cars at home.
The green car mandate is part of the overall efforts by New York to comply with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019, which aims to reduce gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieve 100% zero-carbon-emission electricity by 2040. Governor Hochul and the Democratic-led legislature have also taken steps to ban gas appliances in new buildings and extend the fracking ban in the state. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to transition away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner energy sources in order to combat climate change.
The pushback from auto dealers against the green car mandate comes at a time when Con Edison, a utility company in New York, has requested significant rate hikes for electric and gas bills. The company attributes part of these increases to the need to invest in clean energy infrastructure to comply with state climate laws. Governor Hochul has expressed opposition to these rate hikes, highlighting the challenges faced by consumers in dealing with rising energy costs amid efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources. Overall, the debate over the green car mandate reflects broader tensions between environmental goals and economic realities in New York.
