Governor Hochul Announces New Milestone in Efforts to Build Fast Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles Across New York State

Governor Hochul Announces Milestone in New York’s Efforts to Combat Climate Change

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a milestone in New York’s nation-leading effort to combat climate change and transition to zero-emission vehicles. The Federal Highway Administration has approved New York State’s updated plan to utilize National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program Funds to install and operate additional fast charging stations, clearing the way for the state to receive its next apportionment of $37.4 million to continue the buildout.

Creating a Vast Network of Charging Stations

“In order to achieve our ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to all-electric vehicles, New York State must have a vast network of charging stations that are easy to use and convenient to reach,” Governor Hochul said. “By utilizing these critically important federal funds and by working together and combining their great skills and resources, our state Department of Transportation and Power Authority will create a state-of-the art charging network that will encourage more people to own EVs and help make a stop at the gas station a thing of the past.”

Allocation of NEVI Funds

The approval comes as the State Department of Transportation and the New York Power Authority entered into an agreement to allocate the first installment of NEVI funds —approximately $20 million—to close the remaining charging station gaps along major state highways. Under this agreement, the Power Authority will utilize its Evolve NY fast charging infrastructure program to identify potential locations and install charging facilities within at least 20 designated NEVI-program gap-areas along key state highways, with most expected to complete by the end of 2024. The State Department of Transportation will leverage additional contracting vehicles for future phases of the NEVI program beyond corridor build-out, such as public-private partnerships, to expand geographic coverage of publicly accessible charging infrastructure and to support creation of charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program

The NEVI program was created as part of the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (“IIJA”) of 2021 and provides dedicated federal funding to states to support the strategic deployment of electric vehicle Level 3 Direct Current Fast Charging infrastructure and establish an interconnected network for reliable charging, with an emphasis on locations near interstate highway exits. New York is expected to receive $175 million over five years but must submit updated plans to the Federal Highway Administration each year on how it intends to spend the money in order to receive its annual allotment.

Statements from Officials

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Creating a climate friendly transportation system demands that we do all we can to encourage the use of electric vehicles. The Department of Transportation is proud to be a part of this new initiative, which will literally put a charge into New York’s nation-leading efforts to combat global warming and help make EV’s a more attractive and convenient option for motorists.”

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The Power Authority is pleased to be New York State’s first recipient of NEVI federal funding, which we will leverage to accelerate the development of DC fast-charging to help New York achieve its aggressive carbon-reduction goals. NYPA is excited to collaborate with our Department of Transportation partners to further expand our EVolve NY charging network by strategically filling gap areas along key highway corridors, allowing New York to quickly access the remaining federal funding available to ensure that EV travel becomes more accessible and convenient throughout the state.”

Representative Paul Tonko said, “Investing in electric vehicle charging offers opportunities to revolutionize America’s transportation sector, which is why I pushed for EV provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Energized to see those investments being delivered to our New York communities. I look forward to continuing to build on this work that will lower costs for consumers, slash emissions, and help us achieve our climate goals.”

Representative Brian Higgins said, “In order to make a smooth transition to clean transportation we must invest in widely accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Thanks to funding from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, New York State

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses New York State’s efforts to combat climate change and transition to zero-emission vehicles through the installation and operation of additional fast charging stations. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It also relates to SDG 9, as it involves the development of infrastructure to support sustainable industrialization and innovation. Additionally, the article mentions the goal of creating a network of charging stations that are easy to use and convenient to reach, which contributes to SDG 11’s objective of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate goals connects to SDG 13, which addresses urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Finally, the collaboration between different entities mentioned in the article reflects SDG 17’s emphasis on partnerships for the goals.

2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content:

• Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure
• Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development

The article highlights the importance of developing a network of charging stations to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles. This aligns with Target 7.3, which focuses on improving energy efficiency. The installation and operation of charging stations contribute to Target 9.1, as it involves the development of sustainable and resilient infrastructure. The goal of creating a convenient and accessible charging network relates to Target 11.2, which aims to provide sustainable transport systems for all. The article also emphasizes the integration of climate change measures into policies and planning, which corresponds to Target 13.2. Finally, the collaboration between different entities demonstrates efforts to enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, as stated in Target 17.16.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:

• Number of fast charging stations installed and operated
• Number of charging station gaps closed along major state highways
• Number of charging facilities installed within designated gap areas
• Percentage of federal funding received and utilized
• Number of publicly accessible charging infrastructure created through public-private partnerships

The article mentions the approval of funds for installing and operating additional fast charging stations, indicating that the number of charging stations is an important indicator of progress. It also highlights the closure of charging station gaps along major state highways and the installation of charging facilities within designated gap areas, suggesting that the number of gaps closed and facilities installed can be used as indicators. The article mentions the allocation of federal funding and the need to submit updated plans to receive annual allotments, implying that the percentage of funding received and utilized can be an indicator. Lastly, the article mentions the use of public-private partnerships to expand charging infrastructure, indicating that the number of publicly accessible charging infrastructure created through such partnerships can be an indicator.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: governor.ny.gov

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