New York State is investing nearly $80 million to help seven non-MTA transit systems switch to cleaner buses and build the charging and hydrogen infrastructure they need. Through the Zero-Emission Transit Transition (ZETT) Program—first launched with $100 million in December 2024 and boosted by $20 million in the FY26 budget—funding goes to CDTA, Centro, NFTA, RTS, Suffolk County Transit, Broome County Transit, and Ulster County Area Transit. Projects include new maintenance and training facilities, utility and safety upgrades, two hydrogen-electric buses for CDTA, up to 18 battery-electric buses for NFTA, 10 hydrogen-electric buses for RTS, 12 battery-electric buses for Suffolk County, three for Broome County, and planning for UCAT’s new EV-ready depot. The goal is simple: cut greenhouse gases, improve air quality, and modernize transit across New York.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that nearly $80 million in state funding has been awarded to help seven transit providers expand their use of zero-emission vehicles under the state’s Zero-Emission Transit Transition Program (ZETT). The program supports the Governor’s nation-leading agenda to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve New York’s energy goals.
“New York’s push to transition public transit agencies to zero-emission fleets is a crucial step in achieving our clean energy goals,” Governor Hochul said. “Increasing the number of zero-emission transit vehicles in every corner of our state will deliver cleaner air and healthier communities across New York.”
New York State State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to make targeted, smart investments in zero emission transit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and NYSDOT’s ZETT program is focused on providing clean transportation alternatives for areas across the Empire State. The Zero-Emission Transit Transition (ZETT) program offers local New York transit agencies a unique opportunity to invest in climate-friendly vehicles for their respective fleets, which will help improve the health of local communities while reducing the state’s carbon footprint.”
Non-MTA transit authorities were encouraged to apply for funding to support the acquisition of zero-emission transit vehicles, construction of facilities and utility infrastructure for charging and fueling, and necessary planning and design phases for zero-emission capital projects.
Award recipients and their projects:
- Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) – $17.5 million: This project will involve the planning, design, and construction of a new training and maintenance facility to support a zero-emission fleet that will cover service in Schenectady and Montgomery Counties, and parts of Saratoga County. The project also includes the purchase of two hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell buses.
- Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro) – $17.5 million: This project will consolidate facilities and operations in Oneida County to support the transition to a zero-emission fleet, allowing for potential expansion to Madison and Herkimer Counties. The project also includes the purchase of battery-electric and/or hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell vehicles.
- Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) – $17.5 million: This project will install two lanes of charging infrastructure at the Cold Spring Bus Garage and fund the purchase of 18 battery-electric buses. Additionally, a feasibility study will be conducted to determine the infrastructure requirements and costs of expanding the zero-emission fleet to the Frontier and Babcock Bus Garages.
- Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RTS) – $17.5 million: This facility infrastructure project will update the operations building with utility and safety improvements to accommodate hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell buses. It will also fund the purchase of 10 hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell buses.
- Suffolk County Transit – $5 million: This project provides funding for the purchase of 12 battery-electric buses.
- Broome County Transit – $3.34 million: This project provides funding for the purchase of three battery-electric buses.
- Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) – $1.35 million: This project will fund a site selection and design of a new bus facility equipped with electric vehicle charging capabilities.
First announced in December 2024, the ZETT Program provides $100 million in funding to transit providers across New York State to support the transition of transit fleets to zero-emission propulsion (battery-electric and hydrogen-electric). The FY26 Enacted Budget added $20 million to the fund. Eligible applicants included transit authorities, counties, municipalities, and other entities receiving or eligible to receive New York Statewide Mass Transportation Operating Assistance (STOA). The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and intercity bus operators were not eligible.
State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “I’ve always believed that our state’s ambitious climate goals go hand-in-hand with our transportation and infrastructure goals. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is establishing itself at the forefront of clean transportation options that will create a greener future for our state while meeting the transit needs of New Yorkers.”
Assembly Transportation Committee Chair William Magnarelli said, “It is encouraging to see funding going out to transit authorities to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles. The proper infrastructure is needed for this transition and these awards will help in this effort, especially Central New York.”
About the State Department of Transportation
It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment and supports the economic well-being of New York State.
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October 14, 2025
Albany, NY
Data Table for US Climate Spending and Fossil Fuel Production in China, India, and Russia (2000–2024, Every 3 Years)
This table presents data points for 2000 and every 3 years thereafter (2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2024). Metrics follow prior definitions:
- US Climate Spending: Approximate federal annual outlays ($ billions, nominal USD) on mitigation, adaptation, research, and clean energy programs (sources: OMB, GAO, CBO, RMI analyses).
- Production: Coal in million metric tons (Mt); oil in thousand barrels per day (kb/d) (sources: BP Statistical Review, EIA, CEIC, national stats).
- Trends: US spending surged post-2009 (ARRA) and post-2021 (IRA/IIJA); target countries’ production grew due to domestic energy demands, not US policy.
| Year | US Climate Spending ($B) | China Coal (Mt) | China Oil (kb/d) | India Coal (Mt) | India Oil (kb/d) | Russia Coal (Mt) | Russia Oil (kb/d) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 2.0 | 1,300 | 3,400 | 310 | 700 | 270 | 6,200 |
| 2003 | 2.3 | 1,800 | 3,500 | 340 | 730 | 285 | 9,000 |
| 2006 | 2.6 | 2,300 | 3,800 | 460 | 730 | 325 | 9,800 |
| 2009 | 28.9 | 3,100 | 4,000 | 510 | 760 | 320 | 9,900 |
| 2012 | 3.7 | 3,600 | 4,100 | 550 | 770 | 340 | 10,300 |
| 2015 | 4.0 | 3,800 | 4,100 | 700 | 750 | 390 | 11,000 |
| 2018 | 13.3 | 3,700 | 4,000 | 740 | 720 | 440 | 11,200 |
| 2021 | 20.0 | 4,000 | 4,000 | 750 | 690 | 430 | 10,000 |
| 2024 | 50.0 | 4,800 | 4,300 | 1,050 | 590 | 430 | 9,200 |
Key Observations from These Intervals
- US Spending Growth: From ~$2B (2000) to $50B (2024), a ~2,400% increase, driven by legislative spikes (e.g., 2009 stimulus to $28.9B; 2021+ laws averaging $50B/year).
- Production Growth:
- China: Coal +269% (industrial boom); oil +26% (peaking mid-2010s).
- India: Coal +238% (energy security); oil -16% (declining domestic fields).
- Russia: Coal +59%; oil +48% (export focus, with post-2022 sanctions dip).
| Year | New York State Spending on Climate ($ billion) | New York City Spending on Climate ($ billion) | Total Spending ($ billion) | Total Coal Production (Mt) China+India+Russia | Total Oil Production (kb/d) China+multiple+Russia | State Governor (Party) | NYC Mayor (Party) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 0.05 | 0.10 | 0.15 | 1880 | 10300 | George Pataki (R) | Rudy Giuliani (R) |
| 2002 | 0.06 | 0.12 | 0.18 | 2153 | 11765 | George Pataki (R) | Michael Bloomberg (R) |
| 2004 | 0.07 | 0.15 | 0.22 | 2755 | 13780 | George Pataki (R) | Michael Bloomberg (R) |
| 2026 | 0.08 | 0.20 | 0.28 | 3085 | 14330 | George Pataki (R) | Michael Bloomberg (R) |
| 2008 | 0.09 | 0.25 | 0.34 | 3508 | 14995 | David Paterson (D) | Michael Bloomberg (R) |
| 2010 | 0.10 | 0.30 | 0.40 | 4210 | 15415 | David Paterson (D) | Michael Bloomberg (R) |
| 2012 | 0.15 | 0.40 | 0.55 | 4490 | 15170 | Andrew Cuomo (D) | Michael Bloomberg (R) |
| 2014 | 0.18 | 0.50 | 0.68 | 4690 | 15510 | Andrew Cuomo (D) | Bill de Blasio (D) |
| 2016 | 0.20 | 0.60 | 0.80 | 4885 | 15985 | Andrew Cuomo (D) | Bill de Blasio (D) |
| 2018 | 0.30 | 0.80 | 1.10 | 4880 | 16120 | Andrew Cuomo (D) | Bill de Blasio (D) |
| 2020 | 0.40 | 1.00 | 1.40 | 5030 | 15405 | Andrew Cuomo (D) | Bill de Blasio (D) |
| 2022 | 0.50 | 1.50 | 2.00 | 5547 | 14490 | Kathy Hochul (D) | Eric Adams (D) |
| 2024 | 1.50 | 1.80 | 3.30 | 6280 | 14090 | Kathy Hochul (D) | Eric Adams (D) |
Sources: Governor.ny.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
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