At Long Last, Clean Air Taxis in NYC: New York City Council Votes Without Dissent!

NEW YORK, June 30 -- The following is a statement by Jack D. Hidary, Chairman of the Coalition Advocating for Smart Transportation (CAST):

"Today New York became the first city in the nation -- and I believe the world -- to adopt less-polluting, energy-efficient hybrids as a standard vehicle for taxis. It demonstrates the continued leadership of New York as the world's capital.

"Today New Yorkers can take a deep breath of relief and worry less about what's filling their lungs.

"On behalf of our Coalition members, including the American Lung Association of the City of New York, the National Resources Defense Council, the New York League of Conservation Voters, and the Sierra Club, I applaud the New York City Council's 50:0 passage of the 'Clean Air Taxis Act.' This vote is an example of the Council's commitment to the environmental and public health of New York City, and I thank Speaker Gifford Miller and Transportation Committee Chair John Liu for their leadership role in sponsoring this bill and shepherding it to passage, as well as the members of the Transportation Committee and Council member David Yassky for his committed, effective, early, and ongoing advocacy of clean-air taxis.

"By ensuring that hybrid models can become part of the city's taxi fleet within 90 days, this critically important legislation alleviates myriad problems -- air pollution, asthma, high fuel costs, dependence on foreign oil -- associated with traditional taxis, which comprise nearly 30 percent of vehicles below 96th Street in Manhattan.

"In a recent poll, we asked New Yorkers whether they want hybrid taxis -- and the answer was a resounding yes. I congratulate the City Council for listening to their constituents.

"I trust that Mayor Bloomberg will consider and approve this bill quickly, and I look forward to the day when all taxis are converted to less-polluting, healthier hybrid vehicles."

CAST (http://www.smarttransportation.org/) is dedicated to improving the health of New Yorkers through smart transportation solutions. We are a coalition of health, civic and environmental organizations working together to improve our lives through such innovations as hybrid taxis and buses.