Get the Facts on the Environmental and Public Health Benefits of EVs

April 30, 2021

Going electric is one of the best ways New Yorkers can fight climate change.

As part of our public awareness campaign on electric vehicles, Plug It In, NY, we released the third in our series of fact sheets to encourage New Yorkers to make an EV their next vehicle. 

Our third fact sheet covers the environmental and public health benefits of EV adoption. 

Fossil-fuel-powered vehicles emit harmful pollutants, many of which have been linked to adverse health effects, and decreased air quality. 

Our fact sheet dives into the different pollutants found in diesel emissions and their effect on human health.

Particulate matter consists of small inhalable particles measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter and come from a variety of sources, including combustion from vehicle engines. It is hazardous to human health because it can carry toxic pollutants deep into lower airways.

Lower-income communities and communities of color, especially in urban areas, face higher levels of exposure to diesel emissions. These groups also suffer from higher rates of negative health outcomes attributed to diesel.

The Union of Concerned Scientists published a report in 2019 that found that people of color in New York were exposed to significantly more PM2.5 emissions compared to white residents. 

Diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles release greenhouse gases, a leading cause of climate change. 

EV adoption can lower both pollution-related health outcomes and greenhouse gas emissions. EVs have a much smaller carbon footprint on average than conventional cars. As our power grid switches to renewable energy like solar, wind, and hydropower, EVs will become an even cleaner way to get around.

EVs are good for us and the planet!

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