Bill
A 11303
New York requires state-funded ferries to be zero-emission by 2042 (with 2028 start for new purchases) and studies zero-emission workboat charging infrastructure.
This bill aims to accelerate decarbonization of publicly funded maritime operations in New York by requiring zero-emission performance for ferries funded by the state or its agencies, and by directing the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to study the feasibility of transitioning certain workboats (tugboats and other non-ocean-going vessels) to zero-emission propulsion.
1) Zero-emission ferries for state-funded purchases
- NYSERDA must promulgate rules mandating that all ferries purchased for the state, or for any state agency or public authority, in fiscal years starting on or after April 1, 2028, produce zero emissions.
- Privately licensed ferries that receive state or public-authority subsidies to support a specific route must purchase zero- or near-zero-emission ferries on that route for fiscal years beginning on or after April 1, 2028.
2) Ferry emissions regulations
- The Environmental Conservation Law would require ferries operating in New York’s navigable waters, funded by the state or its agencies/public authorities (including subsidized private ferries), to achieve zero emissions by 2042.
- Ferries may use fossil-fuel-based engines only as range extenders (i.e., not as the main propulsion).
- Exemptions: the rule does not apply to commercial/sport fishing boats, ocean-going ships, or other vessels transporting goods through the Great Lakes.
- Definitions provided for terms such as “zero emissions,” “near-zero emissions,” “range extender,” and related terms to clarify standards.
3) Study on zero-emission workboats (Public Authorities Law)
- NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) is directed to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility of charging infrastructure along the Hudson River and the New York State Canal System to support zero-emission tugboats and other workboats (which may include range extenders).
- The study must assess:
- Current and potential infrastructure, including revenue options to expand charging facilities.
- Current and projected goods movement and marine services, and an estimate of charging-station needs during a transition to zero-emission workboats.
- Safety considerations and potential negative impacts of installing charging stations.
- NYSERDA must report findings and recommendations to the Governor, the Temporary President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the Assembly within two years of the act’s effective date.
- Scope excludes commercial/sport fishing boats, ocean-going ships, and Great Lakes freight vessels.
- Definitions for “workboats” (e.g., tugboats, towboats, barges, dredges) and “zero-emission” are provided.
The bill sets a clear roadmap to reduce emissions from publicly funded ferries and to lay groundwork for broader electrification of key workboat sectors, with explicit timelines, regulatory standards, and an accompanying feasibility study to inform policy and investment decisions.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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