“The second bill before me is Introductory Number 208-A, sponsored at the request of our Administration by Council Members Gennaro, Dickens, Nelson, Sanders, Weprin, Koppell, Recchia and Stewart.  This bill applies certain fuel and technology exemptions and requirements to Department of Correction emergency response vehicles and buses.

“Public Safety is a critical component of the New York City Department of Correction’s mission.  Corrections personnel are routinely called upon to respond to emergencies involving inmates, staff, visitors and the public.  This legislation recognizes the Department of Correction’s essential role in providing emergency services to New York City and provides it with increased flexibility in meeting emission standards for motor vehicles, as we currently do with the NYPD, FDNY, DEP, OEM and the Sheriff’s Office. 

“Secondly, this bill will enable the Department of Correction to meet its critical mission of delivering inmates to court in a timely manner, while continuing our Administration’s commitment to pollution reduction.  Department of Correction busses will still be required to use ultra low sulfur diesel fuel and be equipped with technology to reduce the emission of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, until such time as suitable alternative fuel busses become available.

“I would like to thank Martin Horn, the Commissioner for the Department of Correction and his staff for their work on this bill.  I would also like to thank the Council for their support of this bill.”