BILL NUMBER: S5450
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to establishing
the zero-emission industrial trucks grant program
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to require the New York State Energy and
Research Development Authority to create a grant program to encourage
the sale and lease of zero-emission industrial trucks.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this bill would require the New York State Energy and
Research Development Authority to administer a zero-emission industrial
trucks grant program, which includes incentives via financial assistance
for corporations and businesses to purchase or lease zero-emission
industrial trucks.
Section 2 of this bill provides that the effective date shall take
effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The fight to lower greenhouse gas emissions is multifaceted; with the
increased popularity of zero-emission and hybrid vehicles, the time to
encourage the switch to zero-emission in all available forms of vehicles
or equipment is necessary. According to the Electric Power Institute
(ERPI), zero-emission industrial trucks, also known as forklifts, are
better for the environment, cheaper to operate, and have reduced mainte-
nance costs. The overall cost comparison is well worth the initial capi-
tal investment. Electric forklifts save over $29,000 per year in compar-
ison to propane and over $37,000 in comparison to diesel. These massive
savings are due to the energy cost reduction being over 80 percent lower
than propane or diesel. This legislation requires the New York State
Energy Research and Development Authority to develop a grant program to
encourage the purchase or lease of zero-emission industrial trucks. This
will lessen the initial capital investment so corporations and busi-
nesses can receive the benefits of lower energy, operation, and mainte-
nance costs while eliminating harmful emissions.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S3113A (Mannion)- Committed to Finance
2021-22: S.8760 (Mannion)- Passed Senate.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Annual appropriation of the Legislature or any other funds received by
the state for the purposes of the program.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.