Green Group Disappointed with Judge's Injunction Blocking Green Taxi Rule

Decision is 'Like Comparing Apples to Oranges,' Says Environmental Defense Fund

NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2008; A preliminary injunction blocking a rule requiring New York City taxicabs to get a minimum 25 miles-per-gallon starting tomorrow is a mistake, according to Environmental Defense Fund.

Manhattan-based U.S. District Judge Paul Crotty ruled that a federal law designed to improve motor-vehicle efficiency, The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, "preempts" the city's regulation. Crotty's ruling came in response to a suit filed by some cab drivers and owners seeking to overturn the rule.

"This decision is like comparing apples to oranges," said Isabelle Silverman, a legal fellow for the Living Cities Program at Environmental Defense Fund. "The Taxi and Limousine Commission is not requiring auto manufacturers to raise their fuel efficiency standards, which is the role of federal law. It's just requiring cab drivers to buy fuel efficient vehicles that are already on the market. It's just smart city policy to reduce global warming and to address energy security issues that result from our heavy dependence on imported oil and its contribution to the country's unsustainable trade deficit."

Environmental Defense Fund, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. For more information, visit www.edf.org.