DEP testimony comments on Intros 48, 562, 869, and fleet bill
DEP says it is already compliant with Intro 48 because its website has translated instructions. It raises concerns about Intro 562 shifting liability to lessees, supports the intent of Intro 869, and defers to the Department of Finance on the fleet bill.
Six pieces of legislation are being heard today.
The details of some of these bills relate to current litigation.
Therefore, I cannot speak to items in the bills that touch on legal issues being litigated.
But they do have, you know, thoughts on some other bills, and I'm going to read those now.
Intro 48.
Intro 48 requires that the Citizens Air Complaint website and its components be available in the designated citywide languages.
The DEP is already compliant with the bill.
Okay.
Because the website currently has instructions and translations in all of the designated citywide languages, we encourage New Yorkers of all backgrounds to participate in the compliant program.
I'm just reading what's on the paper.
Intro 562.
562 would establish a program that transfers liability for certain engine idling violations to lessees of vehicles.
DEP issues summonses to vehicle owners based on the license plate or other identifying information on the vehicle seen idling.
The evidence we received does not indicate who is driving the vehicle at the time of the violation.
Often there isn't any driver present.
If the vehicle is leased, that is also not indicated in the evidence collected.
We have concerns.
concerns about this proposal, such as removing the vehicle owner's incentive to install anti-idling equipment in vehicles.
Intro 869.
Intro 869 would establish a code of conduct applicable to citizen noise compliance.
We appreciate and support the intent of this bill.
Additionally,
Oath already has rules of conduct for citizen complainants that are strictly enforced when adjudicating these matters.
Preconsidered Bill T-2026-2662.
The preconsidered bill requires the Department of Finance.
To provide DEP a list of companies and registration plates enrolled in its fleet program
and requires DEP to send DOF a list of all idling notices of violation issued for vehicles enrolled in the fleet program.
We are reviewing this legislation with our colleagues at the Department of Finance.
I defer to them for discussion about their concerns.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony today.