By Wayne Arden, Vice-Chair, Sierra Club New York City Group

The Sierra Club is leading the charge to pass New York State A.1331/S.1456—the “Planes, Trains, and Boats Bill.” The bill establishes specific timetables for the transition to zero-emission vehicles in three public transportation market segments not addressed by previous legislation: aviation, commuter trains, and watercraft—more specifically ferries.

In NYS, the transportation sector accounts for almost one third of GHG emissions. The Climate Action Council Draft Scoping Plan makes clear that the state’s GHG emission reduction requirements will only be achieved by fully transitioning the transportation sector to zero-emission technologies. In each case, NYS can take advantage of relative strengths versus other states and countries: a ladder of intrastate flight routes, the nation’s largest commuter rail system and site of passenger train manufacturing, and the nation’s largest passenger ferry market (tied with Washington). A.1331/S.1456 directly supports NYS’ climate goals by placing aviation, trains, and watercraft on a clear path to a zero-emissions future.

These three transportation modes are addressed in a single bill for two reasons. First, all three modes are benefiting from common technological advances, including improvements in batteries, inverters, and motors. Second, the bill leverages NYS’ many leading research universities, which can be a source of both innovation and talented engineers.

Aviation: Over the next 20 years, fully electric and hybrid-electric aircraft have the potential to replace traditional kerosene-fully aircraft on up to one third of all commercial flights. The bill requires ground support equipment at public airports to meet zero emissions standards by 2032, after the Port Authority’s 2030 objectives, preparing NYS airports for electric flight. For example, NYS shares with Vermont one of the leading all-electric aircraft companies, BETA Technologies. BETA’s ALIA CX300 carries six people up to 247 miles, nearly the same distance as from LaGuardia to Rochester (254 miles). The CX300 reduces operating costs by 42% compared to traditional aircraft. The FAA is likely to certify the CX300 for commercial flight in 2026. BETA is also working on a larger aircraft that will carry 19 passengers. BETA estimates that the total addressable market for electric/hybrid aircraft is $250 billion. Thus, if NYS helps BETA to expand and convinces other companies to invest in NYS, then it will benefit from thousands of new jobs.

Trains: The bill requires that the MTA operate only zero-emission LIRR and Metro-North commuter trains by 2037, with exceptions for branches that extend into New Jersey and Connecticut. Since about half of the passenger track-miles of each railroad system are currently served by diesel locomotives, this transition would carry powerful environmental benefits. What makes this transition economically feasible is the advent of battery-electric commuter trains, which do not require a third rail or overhead line to supply electricity. Eleven European countries are implementing battery-electric trains. Four global companies have five plants in New York State: Alstom (Hornell and Plattsburg), CAF (Elmira), Kawasaki (Yonkers), and Siemens (Horseheads — production starting in 2026). Thus, NYS has the strongest manufacturing base in the U.S. of electric passenger trains and is well positioned to become an industry leader. First, the MTA would likely choose at least one supplier with NYS-based manufacturing, directly generating jobs. Second, 29 out of 36 of the commuter train systems in the U.S. and Canada substantially rely on diesel locomotives. If NYS leads by example, then more states will follow, creating additional employment. The range of Siemens’ Mireo Plus B is up to 100 miles, and the longest route in the MTA system is the 115-mile LIRR’s Montauk Branch. Thus, the MTA could electrify nearly all routes today, let alone by 2037.

Watercraft: The bill calls for publicly funded ferry companies to purchase only zero-emission vessels starting in 2032. Zero-emission watercraft have two environmental benefits: they reduce or eliminate air pollution, and they eliminate spillage of fossil fuels into waterways. Two supporters of the bill that build ferries, Artemis Technologies and Green City Ferries, state that their vessels reduce operating costs versus traditional diesel vessels by 50% or more. This reduction in costs is compelling. NYC subsidizes the operating costs of NYC Ferry by nearly 75%, far more than the 44% subsidy of the subway system. Given that NYS vies with Washington State as having the largest passenger ferry market in North America, NYCEDC or NYS Empire Development Corporation should try to convince one of the ferry companies to put a production facility in-state, close to the market, thereby creating jobs.

I often take the ferry from Brooklyn to Rockaway Beach, and I am always struck by the dissonance of taking in the dramatic scenery of the Manhattan skyline, Verrazano Bridge, and Coney Island paired with the loud noise and intense fumes of diesel engines. All-electric ferries will much improve the passenger experience.

Summary: This bill is both an emissions reduction and an economic development bill. Each of these three transportation market segments represents tens of billions of dollars in revenue globally and is growing rapidly. If New York State is proactive, then it will win good-paying jobs, both helping existing companies grow and attracting new companies and investments. Passage of this bill would be a prominent example that reducing emissions is both good for the planet and the economy.