# George Pataki: A Pioneer in Clean Transportation

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/06/george-pataki-a-pioneer-in-clean-transportation/
- Published: 2010-06-29T16:01:34-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## George Pataki Backed Electric Cars Long Before It Was Trendy

People seem shocked that former New York Governor George Pataki now supports electric
vehicles. But why? He’s supported clean transportation for years. In fact, he championed
EVs while serving as governor.

Back in the early 2000s, Pataki helped launch several green vehicle initiatives.
Even better, he backed hybrid and electric vehicle pilot programs when most leaders
ignored the tech. His administration invested in early EV infrastructure, working
with local utilities and automakers to push the movement forward. Because of his
efforts, New York became one of the first states to fund public EV charging stations.

Pataki also supported state fleet conversions. Agencies began replacing gas-powered
cars with hybrids and alternative fuel models. While critics doubted the move, the
numbers proved them wrong. Fuel costs dropped. Emissions declined. And residents
saw that cleaner cars could work in the real world.

![George pataki stands beside a white electric vehicle smiling in a navy suit and
red tie](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/198B01E0-
B2D2-430D-803B-FE6F552A37EB.png?resize=780%2C780&quality=50&ssl=1 "198B01E0-B2D2-
430D-803B-FE6F552A37EB - The Green Living Guy")

George Pataki former governor of New York supported electric vehicles during his
tenure

So today, when George Pataki promotes EV startups or clean transportation policy,
it’s not a pivot. It’s a return to form. His record shows he didn’t just talk about
electric vehicles—he helped put them on the road.

### Pataki’s Clean Energy Legacy Runs Deep

George Pataki didn’t just advocate for electric cars—he laid a foundation for clean
energy across New York. As governor, he launched the New York State Energy Plan,
which included aggressive targets for renewable energy use and efficiency. At the
same time, he pushed for green building standards in public construction. Because
of his leadership, New York was one of the first states to require LEED certification
for new state buildings.

He also strengthened [NYSERDA](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/nyserda-gets-stimulus-award-for-alternative-fuels-and-electric-transportation/)(
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority), giving it more funding
and authority to support clean tech innovation. Through these programs, startups
received grants to develop solar, wind, and battery storage technologies. Meanwhile,
state incentives helped everyday homeowners install energy-efficient appliances 
and renewable systems.

Even more, Pataki joined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)—the first
mandatory carbon cap-and-trade program in the U.S. By doing so, he committed New
York to real emissions reductions and showed bipartisan support for climate action.

His legacy proves this: Pataki was promoting clean transportation and energy solutions
before they became political talking points.

### Sources

 1. NYSERDA – Pataki’s Role in Expanding Clean [Energy Programs](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/08/move-pack-box-families-make-4-eco-unfriendly-mistakes/)
    
    Overview: NYSERDA’s historical overview shows that under Pataki’s administration,
    the agency expanded support for renewable energy,[ energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/08/10-largest-wind-project-development-2022/)
    efficiency programs, and clean transportation projects. Source: [https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/History](https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/History)

 2. The New York Times – Pataki’s Climate and Energy Initiatives
     Overview: A 2005 
    article documents Governor Pataki’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 
    and promote clean energy, including his leadership role in launching the Regional
    Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Source: [https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/21/nyregion/pataki-announces-7state-plan-to-curb-emissions.html](https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/21/nyregion/pataki-announces-7state-plan-to-curb-emissions.html)

 3. U.S. EPA – Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)
     Overview: The EPA highlights
    the RGGI program as a pioneering effort in regional climate cooperation. Pataki
    spearheaded this initiative, which set a model for other states to follow. Source:
    [https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/regional-greenhouse-gas-initiative](https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/regional-greenhouse-gas-initiative)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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