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New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill Wednesday enshrining into law a goal to make all new passenger vehicles sold or leased in the state zero emission by 2035.

The law directs state agencies to develop regulations consistent with federal law that will require businesses operating in the state to offer more zero emission passenger vehicles for sale and lease. It also directs agencies to accelerate the deployment of “affordable powering options”, create a zero emission vehicle market development strategy, and find ways to improve cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, particularly in disadvantaged communities.  

New York’s law comes almost a year after California Governor Gavin Newsome signed a similar executive order likewise establishing a 2035 zero emission new vehicle goal for his state. Though New York’s bill emerged from the state legislature, whereas California’s came straight from the Governor’s desk, both documents share much of the same text. 

Contrary to some coverage, neither the respective New York law or California executive order explicitly call for a ban on gas vehicle sales by 2035, though the regulations established as a result of either could potentially result in bans or conditions that effectively make new gas-powered passenger vehicle sales commercially impractical. 

Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Canada have all announced similar goals, though none have yet established applicable legislation or regulations. At the US federal level, President Biden signed an executive order last month establishing a goal for 50% of new passenger vehicles sold in the US to be zero emission by 2030.