State Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R, Syosset) announced today that the Senate has passed his legislation, Senate Bill 4363, which will require the Thruway Authority to give a 10% discount, to vehicles that get a 35 miles per gallon or greater.

In an effort to provide an incentive for those with fuel efficient cars, owners of vehicles with a highway
mpg of 35 or greater will be eligible for the "Green EZ-Pass Discount." The Thruway authority currently offers a 10% discount to hybrid vehicles that receive 45 mpg or greater. The

"Anyone who utilizes the toll roads of New York should be given an incentive to drive a vehicle that delivers high gas mileage," Senator Marcellino said. "The promotion of vehicles with high fuel efficiencies should be desirable for environmental, public health, economic and energy goals."

This legislation is important because it encourages for the greater use of efficient vehicles by the public as they travel on New York’s toll roads, and at the same time offers an economic incentive to motorists for choosing a high mileage vehicle.