East Hampton Town has been awarded a $250,000 grant for the installation of 20 Level-2 electric vehicle charging ports from New York State’s Drive Clean Rebate program.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced recently the awarding of $2.7 million in grants to local governments to buy electric vehicles and install zero-emission charging/fueling stations for public use, as well as the addition of more than $12 million to the rebate program, with which consumers can save up to $2,000 on the purchase of an electric vehicle.
The rebate program and grants awarded to 49 community-based projects are intended to advance the state’s efforts to achieve the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050.
The $2.7 million in grants represents the 2021 round of the State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle Program, which is funded by the state’s Environmental Protection Fund and administered by the D.E.C. The 49 awards to 20 municipalities total nearly $2.5 million to help pay for the installation of 200 additional Level 2 charging ports, six additional direct-current fast-charge pedestals, and two hydrogen-fueling nozzles.
Additionally, 10 awards totaling $215,000 were provided to nine municipalities to support the purchase of 32 all-battery electric vehicles for municipal fleet use. Eligible vehicles must have a minimum electric range of 50 miles.
It is unclear where East Hampton’s new charging ports will be installed or if that decision has been made. There was no reply to either of two emails sent to an official at Town Hall this week.
“Zero-emission vehicles are one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost the electrification of our transportation sector,” the governor said in a statement. “Every milestone we reach in transitioning to clean electric vehicles is another step closer to improving air quality in communities.”
