Keith Powers Passes Green Power Goal For City's Car Fleet

MIDTOWN, NY — A new law will help supercharge the city's transition to a zero-emissions fleet.

Passed on Thursday, the new law, introduced by Council Member Keith Powers, sets a new timeline to convert the city's entire vehicle fleet to be fully comprised of zero-emissions vehicles within the next 15 years.

At over 30,000 vehicles, New York City has the largest municipal fleet in the nation.

“New York City continues to lead the country in creating a greener, more sustainable world," said Powers.

He called his bill a "historic, first-in-the-nation piece of legislation that will drive down our city’s carbon footprint and advance environmental justice."

"Our city’s fleet of over 30,000 vehicles will lead the way towards a zero-emissions future starting in just two years. I am proud to have worked with numerous partners to have made today a reality,” said Powers.

The law sets new deadlines for when new vehicle purchases are required to only be of zero-emmissions vehicles.

By 2025, the law states, the city must only purchase zero-emissions light and medium duty vehicles. And by 2028, that requirement extends to heavy-duty vehicles.

Current light and medium duty vehicles in service must be replaces with zero-emmissions vehicles by 2035, and heavy vehicles by 2038.

“This legislation is a nation-leading example of bold action to clean up air pollution for residents by addressing a top pollution source,” said Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous.

Powers' bill also ensured that there are protections in place for the city's experienced roster of mechanics, auto workers and electricians by including a repairability stipulation for any purchase the city makes, ensuring that city workers can safely perfom routine servicing and repairs.

It also includes training requirements to help workers to transition to working on zero-emissions vehicles.

And the city will also produce an annual workforce development report, documenting the electrification of the fleet and the effect, if any, that it would have on city infrastructure and city employees.

NYC Central Labor Council president Vincent Alvarez said he was pleased with Powers' bill.

“We are also strongly in favor of the resolution calling for the work to be completed by high-road contractors, and we look forward to working with the City as we continue to move towards a successful clean energy transition,” said Alvarez.

“This bill will accelerate smart, feasible policies toward cleaner air and a more stable climate," said said Sam Wilson, senior vehicles analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

"Transitioning to electric vehicles, particularly heavy-duty trucks, will lead to both meaningful reductions in harmful emissions and operational savings for city agencies," said Wilson. "The bill has the potential for positive impacts beyond New York City as other cities, particularly those in states lagging in electrification, can follow this example."