New York State bill calls for zero-emission ferries

The move is being welcomed by environmental advocacy groups:   “Diesel ferry exhaust increases the risks of asthma and cancer. Fuel spills harm aquatic life and can devastate New York’s waterways. None of this is inevitable. Zero-emission ferries are already here, already proven and already saving operators millions in reduced fuel use. This bill is about choosing clean air, clean water and clean communities. The only question is how long we’re willing to wait,” said Fern Uennatornwaranggoon, Climate Campaign Director at Pacific Environment.

“According to one estimate, zero-emission vessels could save NYC Ferry nearly $250 million over a 15-year period, with a payback of eight years. NYC Ferry’s operating subsidies are considerably higher than those of the New York City Subway. This bill is a leading example of affordability, where clean technology saves taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars with the vital additional benefit of eliminating air and water pollution,” said Wayne Arden, vice chair, Sierra Club New York City Group.   “Waterways are the lifeblood of the communities that surround them. From the Long Island Sound, Hudson and East Rivers, and across Lake Champlain, ferries zip across New York’s beloved waterways. Waterfront Alliance not only envisions the expansion of ferry service for commuters and tourists, but also clean and green vessels to carry riders. We proudly support Senator Kavanagh’s and Assembly Member Simon’s legislation calling for only zero-emission vessels to be purchased after 2028. Across the nation, and world, zero-emissions ferries carry riders while supporting ambitious climate goals. Our waterfronts have a central role in achieving New York’s climate goals. We urge the state legislature to pass this bill to deliver meaningful climate solutions for waterfront communities across the state,” said Julie Raskin, president and CEO at Waterfront Alliance.  

“This bill is a catalyst for driving zero-emissions technology to more of the transportation sector, which is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing these harmful emissions helps the State to meet its climate goals and to curb the extreme impacts that climate change is having on the Adirondack Park,” said Claudia Braymer, executive director of Protect the Adirondacks! Inc.   The technology is here and is landing in New York, say the bill’s supporters.      SeaStreak, which operates services between Monmouth County in New Jersey and Manhattan, last year received a $55M EPA grant to deploy three zero-emission ferries and two high-speed shoreside charging systems.      In August 2025, New York City launched its first hybrid-electric ferry — the Harbor Charger — offering its passengers a cleaner ride to Governors Island. The ferry is expected to save the city more than $200,000 per year in fuel costs.