What's happening
The Electric Super Highway Act requires alternative fuel options at thruway gas stations and mandates their availability every 120 miles.
Why it matters
Expands consumer choice and access to cleaner fuels. By requiring that at least three types of alternative fuels (such as electricity, hydrogen, ethanol, natural gas, etc.) be available at gas stations along the thruway, the law increases options for travelers who drive non-gasoline vehicles and supports broader adoption of alternative fuel vehicles.
Aims to reduce transportation emissions and improve public health. The focus on non-petroleum fuels is directly linked to minimizing air pollution and supporting public health goals, aligning with both state and federal emission-reduction efforts.
Creates infrastructure consistency and reliability. Mandating that these alternative fuel options are available at intervals of no more than 120 miles ensures that drivers can plan long trips without fear of running out of fuel, addressing a core barrier to electric and alternative vehicle adoption.
Engages state agencies in implementation. The bill requires collaboration between the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Thruway Authority for determining which fuels are most feasible and assisting with rollout, indicating a coordinated, research-driven approach rather than a one-size-fits-all mandate.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Add Electric Charging to Thruway
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Print number 2239a
- Amend and recommit to energy and telecommunications
- Referred to energy and telecommunications
- Reported and committed to finance
- Referred to energy and telecommunications
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Add Electric Chargers to Thruway
In Assembly Committee · Energy · Sponsor Felix Ortiz
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2239--A
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 12, 2017
Introduced by Sens. PARKER, BAILEY, DILAN, MONTGOMERY -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications -- recommitted to the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications in accordance with Senate Rule 6, sec. 8 -committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
AN ACT to amend the energy law and the public authorities law, in relation to the availability of alternative fuels along the New York state thruway
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "electric super highway act of 2018".
§ 2. Section 1-103 of the energy law is amended by adding a new subdivision 14 to read as follows:
14. "Alternative fuel" shall mean ethanol, methanol, natural gas, propane, electricity (including electricity from solar energy), hydrogen, and any other fuel identified which is substantially not petroleum-based, which is consistent with the goals of protecting the safety and health of the public and minimizing emissions of air pollutants, and which is consistent with any applicable federal alternative fuel requirements.
§ 3. The energy law is amended by adding a new section 5-129 to read as follows:
§ 5-129. Alternative fuels. State energy research and development authority shall provide the New York state thruway authority with a list of the most feasible alternative fuels, which shall number no fewer than three, and assist the authority in implementing the requirements of section three hundred fifty-four of the public authorities law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06274-03-8
S. 2239--A 2
§ 4. Subdivision 10 of section 354 of the public authorities law, as amended by section 2 of part TT of chapter 54 of the laws of 2016, is amended to read as follows:
10. To construct, reconstruct or improve on or along the thruway in the manner herein provided, suitable facilities for gas stations, restaurants, and other facilities for the public, or to lease the right to construct, reconstruct or improve and operate such facilities; such facilities shall be publicly offered for leasing for operation, or the right to construct, reconstruct or improve and operate such facilities shall be publicly offered under rules and regulations to be established by the authority, provided, however, that lessees operating such facilities at the time this act becomes effective, may reconstruct or improve them or may construct additional like facilities, in the manner and upon such terms and conditions as the board shall determine; and provided further, however, that each such facility which contains or consists of a gas station shall, beginning November first, two thousand eighteen, include a facility for selling to the public an alternative fuel, as defined in section 1-103 of the energy law and each alternative fuel recommended to the authority by the New York state energy research and development authority pursuant to section 5-129 of the energy law shall be made available at intervals of no more than one hundred twenty miles on each side of the thruway;
§ 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the energy law and the public authori- ties law, in relation to the availability of alternative fuels along the New York state thruway
Purpose or general idea of bill
The intent of this bill is to make alternative fuels and electric charg- ing stations available to commuters who use the thruway.
Summary of specific provisions
This legislation would require the New York State Thruway Authority to provide an alternative fuel refueling station for use by the public and to provide each recommended alternative fuel at least every 120 miles on both sides of the New York State Thruway. This bill would also provide for electronic charging stations as a means of alternative fueling.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority would assist the Thruway Authority in selecting appropriate alternative fuels, which could include ethanol, methanol, natural gas, propane, electricity (including electricity from solar energy), and hydrogen.
Justification
Increased use of alternative fuels is desirable from the energy, envi- ronmental, and economic perspectives. Use of alternative fuels by public fleets is going to be required by both the National Energy Policy Act and the Clean Air Act. The transportation sector of New York State's economy has made the least progress in reducing its energy consumption and its reliance on oil. For reasons of economic security and environ- mental protection, New York State must commit itself to developing non- oil-based fuels for transportation. A number of feasible alternatives to gasoline have been developed; however, they have not been widely distributed in the marketplace. Requiring the development and increased use of alternative fuels at refueling stations operated by the New York State Thruway Authority will expedite the entry of such fuels into the general market. The Thruway Authority is implementing many capital improvements to its rest areas and fuel stations along the Thruway. Remodeling an existing fuel station or constructing a new one to accom- modate the sale of alternative fuels is consistent with the ability of the Authority to provide quality services to its customers.
Prior legislative history
2017-2018: S.2239-Amend and Recommit to Energy & Telecommunications 2015-2016: S.1411A - Amend and Recommit to Energy & Telecommunications 2013-2014: S.1618A - Referred to Energy & Telecommunications 2011-2012: 5.1067 - Referred to Energy & Telecommunications 2009-2010: S.1938E/A.84668 - Reported to Finance 2007-2008: S.1988 Referred to Energy and Telecommunications 2005-2006: S.643 Referred to Energy and Telecommunications 2001-2002: A.9116 Passed Assembly 1999-2000: A.8280 Passed Assembly
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
None. Capital projects are bonded and repaid through tolls.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.