6 NYCRR Part 218, 252, and 200 Rural Area Flexibility Analysis
1. Types and estimated numbers of rural areas:
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (Department) is proposing to amend 6 NYCRR Section 200.9, and 6 NYCRR Part 218. Part 218 is being amended to incorporate revisions to the low emission vehicle (LEV), greenhouse gas (GHG), zero emission vehicle (ZEV), environmental performance label, and new aftermarket catalytic converter requirements that have been adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as part of the LEV program. The Department is also incorporating California's emissions warranty and recall provisions. Part 252 is being repealed and its contents are being updated and incorporated into Part 218.
There are no requirements in the regulation which apply only to rural areas. These changes apply to vehicles purchased by consumers, businesses, and government agencies in New York. The changes to these regulations may impact businesses involved in manufacturing, selling, purchasing, or repairing passenger cars or trucks.
The changes are additions to the current LEV standards. The new motor vehicle emission program has been in effect in New York State since model year 1993 for passenger cars as well as light-duty trucks, with the exception of model year 1995, and the Department is unaware of any adverse impact to rural areas as a result. The beneficial emission reductions from the program accrue to all areas of the state.
2. Reporting, record keeping and other compliance requirements; and professional services:
There are no specific requirements in the proposed regulations which apply exclusively to rural areas. Reporting, record keeping and compliance requirements apply primarily to vehicle manufacturers, and to a lesser degree to automobile dealerships. Manufacturers reporting requirements mirror the California requirements, and are thus not expected to be burdensome. Dealerships do not have reporting requirements, but must maintain records to demonstrate that vehicles are California certified. This documentation is the same as documentation already required by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles for vehicle registration. There will be some reporting and record keeping requirements associated with the warranty and recall provisions, as well as the aftermarket catalytic converter standards, but these are not expected to be burdensome for manufacturers, dealerships, or independent repair facilities.
Professional services are not anticipated to be necessary to comply with the rules.
3. Costs:
The amendments to Part 218 are expected to have an impact on consumers. Consumers will likely experience increased initial purchase prices as a result of the new standards. It is estimated that the LEV III and GHG standards will increase new vehicle prices by approximately $1,800 in 2025. However, these price increases should be more than offset by reduced operating expenses. It is estimated that the new standards could save consumers approximately $3,500 over a 10 year period. The aftermarket catalytic converter standards are expected to increase prices by approximately $200 per unit.
4. Minimizing adverse impact:
The changes will not adversely impact rural areas. The regulations are expected to result in increased initial purchase prices for vehicles, but this increase should be more than offset by reduced operating expenses. Consumers will also benefit from increased emissions warranty coverage on new vehicles and new aftermarket catalytic converters.
5. Rural area participation:
The Department plans on holding public hearings at various locations throughout New York State once the regulation is proposed. Some of these locations will be convenient for persons from rural areas to participate. Additionally, there will be a public comment period in which interested parties can submit written comments.
