The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in New York State. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons are released through tailpipe emissions when fuel burns in internal combustion engines. The Town of East Hampton recognizes the importance of reducing GHG emissions from transportation by phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles, and has included the transportation sector as a focus of its energy sustainability goals. The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is an essential component of mitigating human activity’s impact on global warming and climate change, and reaching the GHG emission reduction targets set by the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and the Town.

In addition to electrifying vehicles, reducing the number of vehicles on the road also helps to lower GHG emissions from the transportation sector. Utilizing public transportation or local rideshare and bikeshare programs all have a collective impact. The Town of East Hampton has been an annual participant in Long Island Car Free Day since 2018, encouraging commuters and residents to find alternatives to single occupancy vehicle travel.