July 23, 2023
New York's Clean Fuel Standard: An Introduction
Following in the footsteps of Canada, California, and other West Coast states, New York State has taken the first steps in establishing a statewide clean fuel standard, which would regulate carbon emissions from fuel producers and promote the adoption of alternate fuel sources in the transportation sector.
New York’s program, known as the Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) was passed through the State Senate on June 8, but still requires approval from the State Assembly before going into effect. The program would incentivize the widespread use of alternative and low-carbon fuels through market-based initiatives that offer rebates for suppliers of low-carbon fuels, including owners of electric vehicle charging stations.
This article gives an overview of New York’s Clean Fuel Standard and explains how the program would impact owners of electric vehicles in New York State.
New York State’s Clean Fuel Standard
On June 8, 2023, the New York State Senate passed a bill to expand low-carbon and alternate fuel options across New York State. The bill, which requires approval from the governor before it becomes law, would establish the Clean Fuel Standard of 2023, which would introduce an energy rebate program that would allow electric vehicle (EV) owners to earn revenue based on their reduced carbon emissions.
Modeled after California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, the NY CFS is a market-based policy that would set a baseline for the carbon intensity (CI) of transportation fuels. The program would require fuel suppliers to gradually reduce the carbon content of their products, thereby driving the adoption of cleaner alternatives. The CFS aims to substantially reduce the CI of transportation fuels to reduce New York State’s carbon emissions, with the goal of reducing the CI of on-road vehicles to 20% by 2031.
Similar to existing clean fuel programs in California, Oregon, and Washington, the New York Clean Fuel Standard would provide fuel suppliers with fuels below the target CI the opportunity to earn rebates for their reduced emissions, encouraging the widespread adoption of low-carbon fuels across the state.