"The second bill before me is Introductory Number 168-A, sponsored by Council Members Gerson, Yassky, Avella, Brewer, Fidler, Gentile, James, Koppell, Mark-Viverito, Martinez, McMahon, Monserrate, Nelson, Recchia, Sanders, Weprin, Felder, Foster, Liu, Jackson, de Blasio, White, Gennaro, Vallone, Garodnick, Katz, Lappin, Mealy, Sears and Eugene. This bill requires the use of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel and best available technologies to reduce the emission of pollutants by diesel fuel-powered ferries owned by the City.

"Diesel emissions contribute to global warming and can cause serious health effects such as asthma and other respiratory conditions. Using ultra low sulfur diesel fuel and reducing pollutants from diesel exhaust will help the City to meet our air quality goals and improve the health of City residents.

"I would like to thank Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Kahn and all the agency staff who worked on this bill. I would also like to thank the Council for approving this legislation."