The transportation sector is responsible for three-fourths of U.S. petroleum consumption, and 40 percent of New York State’s greenhouse gas emissions. In 2010, the Obama administration announced the first fuel economy standards for heavy vehicles. New York State’s Governor Cuomo is taking fuel savings for trucks even further.
The New York Truck – Voucher Incentive Program provides dealers with vouchers for up to 80% of the incremental cost of an electric truck, up to $60,000. This savings is passed on to vehicle buyers. The approach has been effective at spurring clean vehicle sales in California.
Vouchers are available for class 3 to 8 trucks, which range from large pick-ups and delivery vans to tractor trailers and construction vehicles. Currently $9 million dollars in electric truck vouchers are available.
Electric truck purchasers must keep and use their vehicles in the 30 New York counties that have failed to meet air quality standards under the Clean Air Act. Coming programs are aimed at trucks that spend most of their time in New York City’s five Boroughs.
New York State Energy Research and Development Administration, or NYSERDA, is implementing the Truck Voucher Incentive Program, and NYSERDA’s President, Francis Murray Jr., says it will make government and commercial transportation “cleaner and more affordable.”
The program’s goal is to lessen New York’s dependence on foreign petroleum while incentivizing municipalities and businesses to embrace more environmentally friendly transportation technology.
NYSERDA estimates that it could bring up to 1,000 low-emission trucks to areas of the state with the poorest air quality. Now that’s a breath of fresh air.
**********
–This segment was contributed by Tom Konrad Ph.D. CFA. Tom also writes about green investing for Forbes.
.
Web Links
NYSERDA
New York Truck – Voucher Incentive Program
Photo, taken on November 9, 2010, courtesy of Walmart Corporate via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio. Support for Earth Wise comes from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY.