Empire State Today

Philip Palmesano, Assemblyman for New York State District 132, said that electric vehicle mandates under the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) program will impact consumer choice, vehicle costs, and the auto industry due to concerns about infrastructure and implementation. This statement was made in an interview on March 27.

"These mandates will devastate the auto industry and trucking industry in New York," said Palmesano. "You're going to destroy consumer choice. You will raise prices because you're going to have limited supply. You don't tear down a bridge before you build a new one, but that's exactly what they're doing with the energy policy in the state of New York."

According to The Times Union, the Advanced Clean Cars II regulation, adopted by New York in 2022, mandates that 35% of new vehicle sales be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) starting in 2025, with a target of 100% ZEV sales by 2035. Concerns have been raised about the feasibility of these targets since fewer than 10% of new vehicle sales in New York were ZEVs in 2024. Dealerships worry that the mandate could drive up vehicle prices and reduce consumer choice as they may be required to stock more electric vehicles than the current market demands.

The ACCII regulation does not restrict the sale of used internal combustion engine vehicles. However, according to F&L Asia, limiting the availability of new gasoline-powered vehicles could reduce consumer choice and drive up pricing due to demand. These effects are linked to concerns over supply chain readiness and public adoption rates.

According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), ACCII regulations established a credit-based compliance system requiring vehicle manufacturers to earn Zero-Emission Vehicle credits based on their sales volumes. Manufacturers that fail to meet annual ZEV targets may face penalties, including financial repercussions. Additionally, ACCII sets specific parameters for vehicle durability, battery warranties, and emissions system performance to ensure long-term compliance and maintain consumer confidence.

Palmesano has represented the New York State Assembly’s 132nd District since 2011 and was appointed Assistant Minority Leader in 2020. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Bonaventure University and previously worked as an aide to several lawmakers, including Assemblymen Donald Davidsen and Jim Bacalles, Congressman Randy Kuhl, and State Senator George Winner. In addition to his legislative duties, he is the Ranking Minority Member on several committees including Energy; Rules; Corporations; Authorities and Commissions; Correction; Insurance; and Ways and Means.