Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, September 13, 2000

Release #346-00

 
Contact: Sunny Mindel/Lynn Rasic (212) 788-2958
  John Radziejewski / Kevin Ortiz (DCA) (212) 487-4283


GIULIANI ADMINISTRATION SPONSORS LEGISLATION IN CITY COUNCIL
THAT WOULD SET EMISSION STANDARDS
FOR SIGHTSEEING BUSES

Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jane S. Hoffman, on behalf of the Giuliani Administration, today joined Council Member Noach Dear, members of the City Council's Republican caucus, and other Council Members on the steps of City Hall to announce the introduction of a new bill regulating sightseeing buses.

The bill, introduced in the Council by Consumer Affairs Committee Chairwoman Karen Koslowitz at Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani's request, would require that sightseeing buses seeking a new operating license from the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) be equipped with an engine compliant with the most recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards. For license renewals, DCA would require that a sightseeing bus use an engine compliant with the EPA emission standards in effect on the date that this legislation was introduced in the City Council.

In a statement, Mayor Giuliani said, "Clean air is vital to our quality of life in New York City. This legislation would significantly improve the City's air quality by banning the use of heavily polluting engines in sightseeing buses. Over the last six years, the number of sightseeing buses operating with uncertified, high -polluting engines has tripled from 32 in 1994 to more than 100 today. The time has come to take action against the detrimental effects these buses have on the City's environment and quality of life."

"A fleet of about 70 sightseeing buses powered with engines that are not compliant with current EPA standards emits pollutants equivalent to 1,750 MTA buses," said Commissioner Hoffman. "Requiring companies to upgrade their buses engines to adhere to current EPA guidelines will enable New Yorkers to breathe a little easier."

In a statement, Consumer Affairs Committee Chairwoman Karen Koslowitz said, "Currently, a large number of sightseeing buses are not required to meet the emissions standards established by the federal government. This provision has allowed such companies to operate polluting buses at the expense of our City's air quality. This legislation would require these companies to follow the federally mandated emission standards as a condition of licensing in furtherance of protecting the citizens of New York. The Committee on Consumer Affairs plans to review this important issue in the near future."

Council Transportation Committee Member Noach Dear said, "This offers multiple benefits. First, it is a comprehensive effort to bring sightseeing buses into compliance, based on EPA standards. And secondly, it will safeguard the environment, diminish pollution and guarantee a better quality of life in the affected communities."

Under this bill, the Department of Consumer Affairs would be authorized to set rules governing sightseeing bus inspection and licensing policies, and DCA would have the power to suspend or revoke the license of a sightseeing bus for violations of this proposed local law after a departmental hearing.

www.nyc.gov


Go to Press Releases | Giuliani Archives | Mayor's Office | NYC.gov Home Page
Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Statement | Site Map