Research of Emissions Reduction Measures In the New York Metropolitan Region

Urban areas, such as the greater New York City region, face continuing challenges to meet air quality standards required by federal and local clean air laws. To anticipate potential problems with meeting air quality conformity budgets, the Program, Finance and Administration Committee of New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) commissioned a study to identify supplemental measures to reduce air pollutants from mobile sources. Emisstar completed in-depth research of the three following supplemental emissions reduction measures identified for potential implementation in the region.

Use of biodiesel fuel with diesel particulate filters in diesel vehicles;
Accelerated replacement, scrappage and/or retrofit options for diesel trucks, school buses, taxis and black cars; and
Regional idling reduction, including enforcement, public education and supporting equipment.

From the research effort, Emisstar offered NYMTC seven key recommendations to implement a targeted diesel emissions reduction program with the following components:

Fleet modernization program for accelerated replacement of vehicles in conjunction with installation of retrofits;
Rebate style retrofit program;
Dealer/distributor supported vehicle diagnostic, repair & modernization facilities;
Idle reduction summit;
Lease/loan program for idle reduction technologies;
Biodiesel/DPF research followed by public fleet implementation; and
Education and outreach to promote the above programs and idle reduction strategies.

In addition, Emisstar provided funding source recommendations to pay for the suggested emissions reduction programs, including the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program, State Supplemental Environmental Project program, New York Power Authority funds, and State Infrastructure Bank loans. A copy of the report is available here.

Our research has significant policy implications. NYMTC responded favorably to the recommendations, and the organization is preparing to develop the business planning tools and resources required to implement many of the measures. Several of the recommendations are anticipated to significantly improve air quality during the so called “in-years”, given available funding. For example, with funding of $30 million, Emisstar estimates that even if NYMTC implements only recommendations 1, 2 and 5, reductions of approximately 180 tons of particulate matter and 2,200 tons of nitrogen oxides are attainable over 5 years.

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