By Morry Markowitz, Commentary Published 6:00 pm, Thursday, December 14, 2017
In March, Gov. Andrew Cuomo launched the Drive Clean Rebate, a program that provides $55 million for rebates of up to $2,000 for consumers who purchase new zero-emission vehicles. At the same time, the state wisely put aside up to $15 million for electric charging infrastructure investment, so all of those drivers will have a place to recharge their electric vehicles.
Unfortunately, that provision only gets half the job done. Although charging stations are essential to convince drivers to adopt battery electric vehicles, similar efforts are needed to promote the development of hydrogen stations for their counterparts, fuel cell vehicles.
Poll data confirm New Yorkers broadly support stricter environmental regulations. Though there's been improvement in recent years, New York still has significant issues around air quality and carbon emissions — and over 40 percent of the carbon emissions in the state are generated from transportation sources. Zero-emission vehicles, including both hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles and battery electric vehicles, are vital for any effort to reduce transportation emissions and improve air quality in New York.
Because of the unique benefits they provide, fuel cell vehicles must be included in transportation policy and planning for New York to reach its goals. Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process that combines hydrogen and oxygen, without combustion, to power an electric motor. The only emission is harmless water vapor. Battery vehicles use a battery to power a similar motor. Fuel cell vehicles present a critical advantage for a state like New York, which has the nation's longest average commute drive times and where the U.S. Department of Energy finds the second longest average commute distances.
The fuel cell vehicles' advantage is clear — they can attain 300- to 400-mile driving ranges on a single tank of fuel, and, like today's cars, can be refilled in about five minutes. Because New Yorkers need a clean car alternative that accommodates their driving distances and can easily and quickly be refueled, fuel cell vehicles are a compelling option. Zero emissions with zero compromise.
Clearly, both battery and fuel cell vehicle infrastructure must grow for these vehicles to fulfill their potential in New York. Four initial hydrogen refueling stations are already under construction in New York City alone, part of a broader network of 12 stations across the Northeast region. Fuel cell vehicles, which are already on the roads in California, will hit New York's highways once these stations are open. However, state support will be needed to ramp up infrastructure investment to meet the state's aggressive emission reduction goals.
The will exists: Cuomo and the Legislature have made clean transportation a priority, enacting legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 compared with 1990 levels, and 80 percent by 2050. On November 13, New York joined six other states and the District of Columbia in a broad Transportation and Climate Initiative to reduce carbon emissions and other pollutants from the transportation sector while improving transportation systems. "The governor recognizes that transportation is the largest contributor of climate pollution in our state and is ready to act," Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said in introducing the Transportation and Climate Initiative.
New York's drivers deserve to choose from among all zero emission driving options. That's why state efforts to promote clean transportation should treat the technologies equally. There is room on the road for all zero emission vehicles, and New York drivers should be able to choose what best meets their needs.