Mayor Bloomberg Signs Legislation to Reduce Emissions from Heavy Duty Trade Waste Hauling Vehicles

December 30, 2013

Remarks by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

“The next bill before me today is Introductory Number 1160-A, sponsored by Council Members Gennaro, Fidler, Koo, Richards, Rodriguez, Vallone, Koppell, Van Bramer, Greenfield and Jackson. This legislation aims to reduce the emissions of pollutants from heavy duty trade waste hauling vehicles.

“Businesses that are authorized by the Business Integrity Commission to provide trade waste removal services to commercial businesses maintain a large heavy duty diesel truck fleet. These trucks are found across every City neighborhood and routinely expose residents to particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions at the street level. These pollutants are contributors to negative health impacts, including asthma, respiratory and cardiovascular harm. Trucks with engines after 2007 produce roughly 90 percent fewer emissions than earlier trucks. This was a driving reason why our Administration is requiring that City-owned heavy duty vehicles use only post-2007 engines by 2017.

“This legislation requires that beginning January 1, 2020 all heavy duty trade waste hauling vehicles authorized by the Business Integrity Commission utilize the best available retrofit technology or be equipped with an engine that meets the 2007 EPA engine standard. The best available retrofit technology will be set by the BIC Commissioner at least eighteen months in advance to give the industry enough time to determine how best to reduce their truck emissions.

“I would like to thank Business Integrity Commission Commissioner Shari Hyman, Chief Operating Officer Jay Kairam, and their staff for their work on this bill, along with my Office of City Legislative Affairs. I would also like to thank the City Council for approving this legislation.”

Contact:

Marc LaVorgna/Evelyn Erskine (212) 788-2958