ElectrifyNY Applauds Governor Hochul’s $100 Million Zero-Emission Transit Investment

ElectrifyNY, a coalition of New York State’s leading climate and transportation advocacy groups, applauds Governor Hochul’s $100 million investment in zero-emission transit. This funding advances New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals, which mandate an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The funds are earmarked for non-Metropolitan Transportation Authority transit agencies, spreading the benefit of electrified transport to more communities throughout the state.

Given that transportation is one of New York’s largest emissions sources, vehicle electrification, including public transit, is a crucial solution. Diesel emissions disproportionately harm low-income communities and communities of color leading to increased asthma rates, cardiovascular disease, and other negative health impacts. These communities, which rely heavily on public transit and often live near high-traffic areas, stand to gain the most from zero-emission vehicles.

This investment enables transit authorities to acquire clean buses and build charging infrastructure, all critical steps toward healthier communities and climate protection. However, more aggressive state action is still needed to fully eliminate transportation emissions across types of vehicles, including privately owned trucks and personal vehicles.

ElectrifyNY is a statewide coalition of advocates for environmental justice, public transportation, social justice, and good jobs fighting for a clean, equitable electric transportation future for New York.