DEC AWARDS $342,500 IN GRANTS TO 17 MUNICIPALITIES FOR ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLES
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced $342,500 in grants awarded to 17 municipalities for purchasing or leasing zero-emission light- and medium-duty fleet vehicles through DEC’s Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Program. This initiative aligns with New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from municipal fleets.
Interim Commissioner Mahar's Statement: “New York is committed to reducing pollution, particularly from the transportation sector, by investing in electric vehicles and infrastructure to meet climate targets. The ZEV Rebate Program helps communities green their fleets, reduce fuel costs, and save taxpayer money.”
Since its inception in 2016, the ZEV Rebate Program has provided over $1.8 million to municipalities for electric vehicles, including $342,500 in 2024. The program is a cornerstone of New York’s climate change mitigation efforts.
2024 Rebate Awards Recipients The 17 municipalities receiving funding include:
City of Beacon: $15,000 for 2 battery electric vehicles.
City of Binghamton: $15,000 for 3 battery electric vehicles.
Village of Croton on Hudson: $20,000 for 3 battery electric vehicles.
Town of East Hampton: $25,000 for 4 battery electric vehicles.
Erie County: $7,500 for 1 battery electric vehicle.
Village of Hastings on Hudson: $10,000 for 1 battery electric and 1 hybrid electric vehicle.
Town of Indian Lake: $7,500 for 1 battery electric vehicle.
Village of Irvington: $22,500 for 3 battery electric vehicles.
Village of Montour Falls: $5,000 for 1 battery electric vehicle.
City of New Rochelle: $30,000 for 4 battery electric vehicles.
Town of Oneonta: $7,500 for 1 battery electric vehicle.
City of Plattsburgh: $45,000 for 6 battery electric vehicles.
Village of Pleasantville: $7,500 for 1 battery electric vehicle.
Village of Sackets Harbor: $7,500 for 1 battery electric vehicle.
City of Schenectady: $30,000 for 4 battery electric vehicles.
Tompkins County: $80,000 for 11 battery electric vehicles.
Town of Westport: $7,500 for 1 battery electric vehicle.
Supporting Infrastructure and Future Initiatives Governor Kathy Hochul proposed maintaining $400 million in the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to bolster climate mitigation, sustainable agriculture, water protection, and conservation efforts.
Additionally, in September 2024, $5.5 million in funding became available for ZEV infrastructure grants, supporting: Level 2 and DCFC charging stations. Hydrogen fuel filling stations. Application Details: Deadline: February 28, 2025, by 4 PM. Application: Available through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) titled “2024 Municipal ZEV Infrastructure Grants.”
New York’s Climate Agenda: The state’s agenda aims for an affordable, just transition to a clean energy economy, prioritizing family-sustaining jobs, economic growth through green investments, and benefits directed to disadvantaged communities. By 2050, New York seeks an emissions-free economy across energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.
For more information, visit the DEC Municipal ZEV Rebate Program page or the CFA portal for funding opportunities.