Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, state senator for New York, said New York’s 2035 electric vehicle mandate is an unrealistic and expensive burden on residents. This statement was made on X.
“New York’s electric vehicle mandate places an unrealistic and expensive burden on New Yorkers,” said Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. “Vermont and Maryland both recently announced delays in their zero-emission vehicle mandates. I proposed an amendment on the Senate Floor to repeal the policy in New York. Unfortunately, the bill was voted down on a party-line vote.”
According to the New York Post, New York’s Advanced Clean Cars II mandate stipulates that 35% of vehicles from the 2026 model year must be zero-emission, with a goal of reaching 100% by 2035. Auto dealers have raised concerns about this timeline, noting that current electric vehicle (EV) sales are around 10% statewide and even lower in certain areas. They warn that the mandate could lead to higher vehicle prices and reduced availability of gas-powered cars, potentially placing a financial strain on consumers.
As reported by Reuters, Vermont Governor Phil Scott paused the state’s adoption of California’s stringent electric vehicle sales mandates in May 2025 due to insufficient charging infrastructure and underdeveloped technology for heavy-duty EVs. Similarly, Maryland Governor Wes Moore delayed enforcement until the 2028 model year over concerns regarding infrastructure and tariffs. These actions reflect broader apprehensions about the feasibility of rapid EV mandate implementations.
According to the New York Post, in February 2025, a bipartisan group in New York urged Governor Kathy Hochul to reconsider the state’s electric vehicle sales mandate. They highlighted economic challenges facing both dealerships and consumers, noting that EV sales remain below 2% in many parts of New York. The lawmakers argued that aggressive targets could disrupt the auto market and increase vehicle prices. They advocated for a more gradual transition that considers market realities and consumer readiness.
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick was elected to represent New York State Senate District 9 in 2022. Before her tenure in the Senate, she served as a trustee, deputy mayor, and police and fire commissioner in Malverne Village, Nassau County. An attorney with a background in finance, she has prioritized public safety, fiscal management, and opposition to mandates she views as economically burdensome.