Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More
Continue in Browser
Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts.
Please enter a valid zipcode.
Save
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday vetoed a bill that would’ve established a specialized electric vehicle emergency response training program.
The legislation would’ve tasked the state fire administrator with creating the program for all first responders. It was prompted by the growing use of electric vehicles, which use lithium-ion batteries. A 2023 national study pointed out that 40% of first responders and firefighters had no training whatsoever in how to deal with electric vehicle fires and incidents.
"While I find the goal of expanding EV training laudable, this bill would require the expenditure of funds that are not accounted for in the State’s financial plan," Hochul wrote in a veto memo. "Any EV emergency response training would be more appropriately considered in the context of budget negotiations."
According to state records, there are more than 75,000 EVs registered in upstate New York. The state projects 3 million EVs on the road by 2030. By the end of this year, a state mandate requires all passenger cars, SUVs and pickup truck sales to be 35% electric. By 2030, that number climbs to 68%.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation told Spectrum News 1 in June it is developing additional guidance, which will focus on managing damaged, defective and recalled lithium-ion batteries. It will also include techniques for first responders.

source