Establishes the diesel emissions retrofit program and fund

2 Co-sponsors

• Pedro Espada Jr.
• José M. Serrano

BILL NUMBER:S5071B

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law and the environmental conser- vation law, in relation to establishing the state diesel emissions reduction revolving loan fund

Purpose

To protect clean air and public health by providing help for public and private truck fleets in New York State to retrofit their trucks to reduce diesel emissions.

Summary of provisions

Establishes a state diesel emissions reduction fund under NYSERDA and a retrofit program for projects that employ best available retrofit tech- nology to reduce emissions from heavy duty diesel engine vehicles owned by state, municipal and private entities.

Justification

The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2006 required heavy-duty vehicles owned by the state or under contract with the state to use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel and to be fitted with best available retrofit tech- nologies to reduce tailpipe emissions. Diesel emissions are a contribut- ing factor to both ozone and fine particle pollution problems in many NY communities. The 2006 Act provided no funding to aid compliance. Many municipal and private fleets are out of compliance and this bill provides resources to aid compliance.

Legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

This bill would reallocate $13.2 million in unspent funds from the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act funds. Specifically, money is available in the state clean-fueled vehicle projects, clean fueled buses projects, and the other air quality projects categories under Air Quality.

Local fiscal implications

This bill will help municipalities meet their obligations under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2006.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.