Judge blocks NYC’s efforts to switch to hybrid taxi fleet
A federal judge ruled today that NYC cannot require its fleet of 13,237 yellow cabs to use hybrid technology. This ruling will deal a major setback to other state and local governments that are trying to create an ad hoc patchwork of emissions and fuel standards in place of the void in leadership from Washington.
The judge ruled that the Clean Air Act mandates that regulation of fuel economy and emissions standards are solely within the realm of the federal government and that New York City was preempted by federal law. This preemption debate has led to a number of disputes between states and the federal government, with this being the latest.
Mayor Bloomberg declared:
The decision is not a ruling against hybrid cabs, [it is] rather a ruling that archaic Washington regulations are applicable and therefore New York City, and all other cities, are prevented from choosing to create cleaner air and a healthier place to live.
The New York League of Conservation Voters, said in a statement about the decision:
Judge Crotty’s extraordinarily strict reading of the Clean Air Act is also damaging to all local governments that are attempting to address the climate crisis. After eight years of tragic inaction in Washington, the burden falls on state and local governments to take action on this vital issue. Today’s ruling will immeasurable complicate these vital efforts.
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