Luis Politano opposes 561-A and warns of lost complaints

Hello, hello.

Okay.

My name is Luis Palatano.

I've been an active participant of the Citizens Air Complaint Program since April 2022 and have submitted nearly 4,000 complaints.

I am present today to testify against the provisions outlined in Intro 561A.

First, the diesel engine regeneration exemption will create a loophole rendering the anti-idling law hamstrung.

I learned earlier that the problem is the average person and the DEP reviewer has no idea the truck is in regeneration mode.

I suppose a solution to that problem would be to have an exterior indicator.

Let someone outside the truck or someone viewing the video, let them know that the truck's in regeneration.

Second, the 60-day expiration of pending violations will allow polluters to avoid accountability.

Because the DEP is understaffed and the oath is understaffed, this deadline will delete tens of thousands of complaints and wipe out millions in city revenue.

If you're going to impose a 60-day expiration, you're going to have to hire more.

People and DEP and oath.

And last, forcing everyday citizens to become legal prosecutors to defend clear video evidence will create barriers for low-income environmental justice neighborhoods.

I live and reside in southeastern Queens, which is home to several environmental justice neighborhoods.

I actually operate in Jamaica, just south, adjacent to your district, south of Hillside, down to Liberty, to 110th Street, to 180th Street.

If this passes, this can make my job very difficult.

It doesn't do a lot of the work I've done.

I've made impact in many different areas.

I can say very specific locations where they don't run their engines anymore.

If I don't make up, keep up my appearances, it's going to reverse.

The CHCP is successfully curbing pollution and held polluters accountable at no cost to the taxpayer.

Okay, I urge this committee to protect public health and vote no on 561A.