Hawley disapproves of Hochul veto of electric vehicle fire training bill

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) today criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to veto bipartisan legislation that would have required the state to develop emergency response training for first responders dealing with electric vehicle (EV) fires and related incidents.

The bill, which passed both houses of the Legislature with broad support, aimed to ensure firefighters and emergency personnel have the tools and knowledge necessary to respond safely to EV crashes and battery fires, hazards that are rapidly increasing as the state pushes for more electric vehicles on the road.

“This was a commonsense, bipartisan measure that put safety first,” Hawley said. “Our firefighters and first responders are already putting their lives on the line every day. Denying them the training and resources they need to handle new dangers from electric vehicles is unacceptable.”

Hochul’s veto message cited concerns about unbudgeted costs, stating the program should be addressed through the state’s budget process. The justification shows little awareness of the urgent realities confronting rural and suburban fire departments.

“The governor is spending billions on green energy mandates but can’t find the resources to protect the men and women responding to EV fires?” Hawley said. “The government’s priorities are completely upside down. If the state insists on accelerating EV adoption, it has a responsibility to make sure our emergency responders are fully prepared.”

Hawley, a life member of the Stafford Volunteer Fire Company and strong advocate for first responders, vowed to keep pushing for this measure.

“I’ll keep fighting to make sure this legislation gets across the finish line,” Hawley added. “This isn’t about politics — it’s about protecting lives.”