Gregory Gonzalez opposes 561-A and cites fleet electrification
Gonzalez says he has driven diesel trucks and operated heavy equipment and knows the health effects of exhaust. He says the complaint program pushed armored-car companies to switch to electric vehicles and urges rejection of 561-A.
Hello.
Hello, my name is Gregory Gonzalez, and I'm here in opposition of 561A.
Intro 561A aims to diminish and destroy the Citizens Air Complaint Program, which has been one of New Yorkers'most effective tools in combating unnecessary truck and bus idling.
561A hinders the DEP's ability to pursue air complaints and reduces incentives for citizens to take part in the air complaint program at a time when I believe we really need more participation.
For me, a concerning part of 561A is that it opens a loophole for diesel vehicles to avoid fines and idle indefinitely.
Diesel vehicles are some of the worst polluters in New York City, and I've seen that firsthand.
I've driven diesel engine trucks, and I've operated heavy equipment before.
I've laid asphalt.
I'm not a person who works in a corporate office of a bus company or trucking concern.
I know what it's like to have to work next to large diesel vehicles all day.
I know that the exhaust tears up your lungs and that when you come over the end of the day, you have a headache and a sore throat.
Getting trucks to stop idling is not only good for New Yorkers, but it's especially good for the people who are operating the trucks, the buses, and the heavy equipment that are polluting the air.
Idling is unnecessary and it hurts New Yorkers.
I would like to speak on what I have personally observed on the streets of New York.
I've watched the Citizens Air Complaint Program work.
When you submit complaints through the Citizens Air Complaint Program, companies actually take notice.
We are starting to see companies change their fleet vehicles from combustion engines to electric vehicles.
The armored truck companies, Ferrari Express, Loomis, Malka, Amit, have been some of the worst polluters in Manhattan, especially in the Diamond District.
And I would observe them idling in Midtown for hours in the same spots over and over again, day after day.
After receiving complaints, they begin to change their vehicles to electric vehicles.
There's now notable difference in the air quality in these areas.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
I appreciate it.
Yes.