A New York-based environmental advocacy coalition released an electric vehicle municipal toolkit designed to help local governments transition their vehicle fleets away from fossil fuels and increase electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The Toolkit, developed by ElectrifyNY, will educate and mobilize local elected officials as they work to cut down on climate pollution and prepare for a clean, renewable energy future. The toolkit was designed to be a one-stop shop that includes partnerships, state and federal grant programs, and other incentives, according to the coalition.

Local governments are vital in the conversion to a renewable energy future, ElectrifyNY said in a statement. This past June, the Nassau County Legislature passed Local Law 12, which provides a long-term plan to incorporate electric vehicle fleets, EV charging infrastructure, and solar energy installations into all County operations. Steps like this will be enhanced by the comprehensive toolkit, as well as help jumpstart additional actions by local municipalities statewide.

With the recent signing into law of the groundbreaking Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), New York State has emerged as a national climate leader. This legislation acts as a blueprint to move all sectors of the state’s economy off fossil fuels — including the transportation sector, which is the state’s largest source of climate pollution. As envisioned by the CLCPA, local municipalities must now lead by example and help with this transition by focusing on building renewable energy infrastructure.

Excerpt from the EV Municipal Toolkit:
Aside from the health and environmental benefits that come with reductions in air pollution, transitioning to electric vehicles will bring significant economic benefits to households, businesses, and governments. Electric vehicles are simply more efficient than their gas-guzzling counterparts, costing 50 to 70 percent less to operate. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than those powered by internal combustion engines, meaning a reduction in maintenance costs, which can be significant when it comes to managing municipal fleets. Fuel savings over the life of an electric vehicle can add up to thousands of dollars.