NYS CLCPA’s Expected Effects on Transportation

The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) was passed in New York State in 2019 with the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and facilitating the transition to clean energy. In order to meet the goals of the CLCPA, many changes will need to be made. These changes will affect many different economic sectors and aspects of everyday life.

One area that is expected to be heavily impacted is transportation.

New York State is implementing a phaseout of gas-powered vehicles, with the goal of only selling zero-emission, hydrogen powered, or plug-in hybrids by 2035. As the demand for these types of vehicles grows, car dealerships will need to change the way they sell to customers and how they service vehicles.

There is a “Drive Clean Rebate” available for New York dealerships selling new electric cars. To receive the rebate, dealers must reduce the price of the electric vehicle (EV) for sale (up to $2,000) and then complete the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) online rebate application for the amount by which the vehicle price was decreased.

Those looking to purchase EVs also have access to the Drive Clean Rebate and can get up to $2,000 off the purchase or lease of a new EV. In addition, EV buyers are eligible for a tax credit of up to $7,500 under the Inflation Reduction Act.

With the expected rise in the number of EVs in the coming years, the number of charging stations will need to increase as well. Currently there are both state and utility programs that provide credits and incentives to help property owners with the cost of installing charging stations.

State Programs

• The Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle Program (ZEV) is providing rebates and grants through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). This program assists municipalities with the installation of public charging infrastructure.
• The New York State Tax Credit for Public and Workplace Charging is a nonrefundable credit for investments in alternative fueling or EV charging.
• The P-12 Clean Green Schools Initiative is a broader NYSERDA program that offers “Clean Transportation Studies.” These studies help districts formulate a strategy for the switch to electric buses. The program covers up to the entire cost of the studies.

Utility Programs

• The EV Make-Ready Program’s goal is to help build the electric infrastructure needed to support the increasing amount of EVs in New York State. The program lowers the costs for the installation of Level 2 (L2) or Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) chargers. This program is meant for light-duty vehicles, such as personal vehicles. Funding for this program comes from New York Joint Utilities.
• For medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, the “Medium- and Heavy-Duty EV Make-Ready Pilot” is available. This pilot helps with charging station installation by covering up to 90% of utility-related infrastructure fees. Funds for this pilot are also available through New York Joint Utilities.

In addition to state and utility programs, NYSERDA has a series of case studies and guides for those interested in installing charging stations. These guides help hosts navigate everything from permitting to deciding on the best type of charger to install on their property. The case studies include a wide range of property and location types, including but not limited to parking lots and garages, retail, hotels, medical and educational campuses, workplaces, multifamily housing, and leisure destinations.

Walden is continuously tracking CLCPA-related updates and regulatory changes in New York State. As a NYSERDA FlexTech Consultant, we can help you determine how to implement more sustainable practices in your operations and locate funding sources to help cover the cost of upgrades. Contact us at 516-518-3705 to speak with a consultant about green energy programs and incentives available to you.