So Long Gas Powered Cars, New York State Passes a Law Banning Their Sale Starting in 2035

On Wednesday, September 8, 2021, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill into law that will require all passenger vehicles sold in the state to be completely emission-free by 2035.

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What this means is that 100 percent of new passenger vehicles in New York state must be electric by 2035. Additionally, the law states that all medium and heavy-duty vehicles must be completely electric by 2045.

New York is the second state, after California, to phase out gas-powered vehicles in favor of electric vehicles. Supporters of the law explain that requiring new vehicles to be electric will help phase out those vehicles that emit greenhouse gases.

In a statement, Houchl said, "...we must reduce emissions from the transportation sector, currently the largest source of the state's climate pollution." Houchl continued, "The new law and regulation mark a critical milestone in our efforts."

Although it will be 14 years until the law completely goes into effect, it appears that New York car lots will see an influx in electric vehicles as soon as within the next four years. According to DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos, "When adopted, this new regulation will require an increasing percentage of all new trucks sold in New York to be zero-emissions vehicles beginning with the 2025 model year."

The Biden administration hopes to cut emissions in the United States in half by 2030 with the ultimate goal of completely cutting out emissions by 2050. With New York and California passing their own laws ending the sale of gas-powered vehicles, other states are expected to follow.