Statement From the New York League of Conservation Voters on Clean Fuel Standard Legislation Passing in the New York Senate

(New York League of Conservation Voters) In response to the New York State Senate passing Clean Fuel Standard legislation (S.B. 1292) today, NYLCV President Julie Tighe issued the following statement:

“As we approach the end of this year’s New York State legislative session, one of the most crucial environmental priorities to get across the finish line is a Clean Fuel Standard. A Clean Fuel Standard would deploy low-carbon fuels for vehicles currently on our roads, which would immediately cut air pollution, lower climate change-causing greenhouse gas emissions, and improve public health for millions of New Yorkers. The New York League of Conservation Voters commends Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senator Parker, and all Senators who overwhelmingly voted in favor of this NYLCV scorecard bill, as it marks a clear and steadfast commitment to taking swift action to combat climate change. We turn next to the Assembly and urge them to bring this bill through the legislature.”

Julie Tighe is also available for interview to speak further to the importance of this legislation, what it will mean for New Yorkers, and why it is imperative the Assembly passes it as well. This bill is a top priority for NYLCV and Clean Fuels NY, a 60+ member coalition led by NYLCV dedicated to advancing a low carbon fuel standard in New York. The coalition issued a statement today, which can be read here. READ MORE

Excerpt from Long Island Business News: On-road transportation accounts for 17% of total statewide emissions. Reducing our transportation system’s reliance on petroleum, and the climate and air pollution it produces, must be at the top of that list.

Despite past efforts, New York remains 95+% reliant on petroleum in transportation, consuming 6.78 billion gallons of diesel and gasoline in 2019 (pre-Covid). To achieve our 2030 and 2050 targets we need to rapidly deploy capital for critical clean fuel infrastructure. Furthermore, we can protect public health, reach our climate goals, and put New Yorkers back to work by supporting a rapid transition to electrified and low-carbon transportation.

A clean fuel standard would do just that. It would move our transportation sector towards electrification and clean fuel alternatives in a responsible manner, while creating good-paying jobs at no cost to taxpayers.

A clean fuel standard requires fuel manufacturers and importers to reduce the negative impacts, specifically carbon levels, of their fuels and allows the market to determine how we achieve it.

Increased investments in green hydrogen, biofuels, and expanded in-state electrification makes adoption of these alternatives more accessible and affordable.

A clean fuel standard is not going to slow this transition but will move us to our low carbon goals even faster.

Labor leaders are working to create opportunities to build a green economy and a resilient workforce for our future. New York lawmakers are faced with an important decision. We need action now. A clean fuel standard helps pave the way to a clean transportation future that supports good union jobs. This is not an either-or proposition. We must transition to clean fuels and electric vehicles. READ MORE