Andrew Molitor, assemblyman for New York Assembly District 150, has expressed concerns regarding New York’s electric vehicle (EV) mandate. He believes it should be paused or repealed due to the financial burden on local districts and the delayed timeline for state-owned vehicle compliance.
“New York produces less than 1% of all carbon dioxide produced in the world,” said Andrew M. Molitor. “Why bring school districts and property taxpayers to their financial knees? It is wrong to impose this mandate on school districts and property taxpayers starting in 2027. There should be a pause, if not a complete repeal of these laws.”
According to the CBC, New York State’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are relatively low on a per capita basis compared to other U.S. states. This efficiency is largely attributed to the state’s dense urban infrastructure and extensive public transit systems, particularly in New York City. In 2020, the state’s gross GHG emissions were reported at 344.85 million metric tons of COâ‚‚ equivalent, marking a 15% reduction from 1990 levels. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) aims to further reduce emissions by setting ambitious targets: a 40% reduction by 2030 and an 85% reduction by 2050.
As reported by the Times Union, New York’s education and municipal sectors have voiced concerns over the financial and logistical hurdles to transitioning to zero-emission school buses by 2027. The high upfront cost of electric school buses—typically ranging from $350,000 to $450,000 per vehicle—significantly exceeds that of traditional diesel models. Beyond the vehicle cost, charging infrastructure installation can require six-figure investments per site, particularly in rural or older urban districts. These costs raise alarms about the pressure on local property taxes and school budgets, especially in economically constrained communities.
According to Spectrum Local News, EV mandates such as the planned phaseout of gas-powered school buses by 2027 and passenger vehicle mandates by 2035 have raised equity and affordability concerns among rural school districts and lower-income municipalities. Local officials warn that without substantial state and federal subsidies, these mandates could strain school budgets or shift the financial burden to property taxpayers. While environmental goals are broadly supported, critics argue that a one-size-fits-all mandate risks deepening regional and socioeconomic disparities unless tailored support mechanisms are implemented.
Molitor was elected to the New York State Assembly in November 2024 and represents the 150th District, encompassing all of Chautauqua County. A former First Assistant District Attorney and past president of the Bar Association of Northern Chautauqua, he brings a strong legal background and deep local roots to Albany. A father of five, he is focused on lowering living costs, supporting law enforcement, improving public safety, and reducing regulatory burdens on families and businesses. He has also expressed concern over proposed DEC wetland regulations and their potential impact on Chautauqua Lake.
