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Sheldon Silver, Speaker ![]() ![]() |
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The Commission’s Mandate | ||||||||||||||||||
The Commission on Critical Transportation Choices, established in 1994, has a mandate to examine transportation systems and transportation infrastructure needs throughout the State. By law (Article 5-A, Section 83-a, Legislative Law), the Commission is charged with: |
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Significant Transportation
Legislation of 2001 |
The Assembly has traditionally been an advocate of legislation that advances safe and effective means of transportation. This year a number of important bills were passed ranging from helmet laws designed to protect our children to promoting measures to reduce "road rage." Child safety legislation
The rules of the road
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Current transportation technologies, though essential to economy and living standards, cause over 50% of urban air pollution, produce 30% of greenhouse gases, and are the second largest source of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in the US (about 143 million tons/year), after industry. Transportation fuel use is recognized as a major source of nitrous oxide (NOx) in acid rain and greenhouse gas, Sulfur Oxide (SOx), ambient ozone increase, particulates (PM) and toxic air pollutants. Some of these pollutants have been linked to health effects from asthma to cardiopulmonary disease. To address public health and environmental issues, the federal and state governments have enacted various laws to promote the development of cleaner transportation technologies. While federal, state, and local governments have added new transportation technologies to their inventories, the public still has few options. Volatile energy prices, war in Afghanistan, global warming, and public health concerns have demonstrated once again the need to develop and promote greener transportation technologies among the general population. On May 22, 2001, Ruben Diaz, Jr., Vice-Chair of the Assembly Legislative Commission on Critical Transportation Choices, and Darryl Towns, Chair of the Assembly Legislative Commission on Science and Technology, co-sponsored a roundtable to discuss alternative fuel and advanced vehicle technologies. The roundtable brought together public and private sector transportation leaders, advocates and interested legislators to examine the challenges and benefits of promoting development of the alternative fuel and vehicle market. |
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Advanced vehicle technologies* The most promising technologies discussed at the roundtable were hybrid-electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, and alternative fuel vehicles (AFV).
* Definitions for all advanced vehicle technologies from "National Conference Of State Legislatures, Ground Transportation for the 21st Century" Asme Press, August 1999. Alternative fuels** The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) defines alternative fuels as: methanol, denatured ethanol and other alcohols, separately or in mixtures of 85% with gasoline or other fuels; compressed natural gas (CNG); liquefied natural gas (LNG); liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); hydrogen; "coal-derived liquid fuels"; fuels "other than alcohols" derived from "biological materials"; electricity; or any other fuel determined to be "substantially not petroleum", and yielding "substantial energy security benefits and substantial environmental benefits." The most promising fuels include ethanol, natural gas, biodiesel, and hydrogen gas (H2).
** Definitions of Alternative Fuels from Topical Reports "Alternate Fuels for Fleet Vehicles," Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center. Alternative fuel and transportation technologies in New York State
Roundtable participants agreed that New York has done much to foster the growth of alternative fuels and new transportation technologies, but hoped that more could be done. Next year, the Commission will review other states’ efforts to promote these industries to determine if additional incentives might be implemented in New York State, particularly in the area of diesel trucks. The Commission will also research efforts to promote the production of alternative fuels in New York State to determine what incentives might be needed to help manufacturers and farmers. |
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Building livable communities: development of a Community Transportation Plan Stakeholders in the transportation arena agree that appropriate investment in transportation infrastructure is essential to economic development and improvement in the quality of life. Under-funded or poorly designed transportation systems increase reliance on automobiles and trucks, thereby increasing traffic congestion and air pollution. Urban communities are particularly impacted when traffic congestion seeps into residential areas, causing health and safety concerns. Inadequate public transportation systems reduce options for travel to work. On July 13, 2001, the Legislative Commission on Critical Transportation Choices sponsored a roundtable at the Soundview Community In Action Center located in the Bronx, New York. Topics of discussion at the roundtable included developing a solid plan for transportation issues facing the community, including: Major areas of concern
Possible solutions to transportation problems were divided into two categories: Short term solutions...
...and long term solutions
Roundtable participants agreed that other communities in New York City and urban areas around the State share the same transportation challenges. They hope their efforts can be used to develop guidelines for other communities to follow and agreed to continue working together to focus on urban transportation priorities. Possible first steps included holding a hearing on commercial distribution of goods by truck, rail and ferry, and educating the business community on the health impacts of transportation systems and ways to develop cleaner modes of transportation. |
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We will hold hearings on diesel fuels, bringing together businesses, trucking industry advocates and concerned citizens to discuss solutions to the pollution and health problems perpetuated by these fuels. The Commission will also continue its work to seek solutions to traffic congestion problems in urban areas. The Commission looks forward to keeping you informed as we research and report on transportation practices that work to combine economic development priorities with social needs and environmental principles in New York State. |
Assemblyman Ruben Diaz, Jr., Vice-Chair
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