Rocco Lacertosa of NYSEC supports 561-A and opposes 11-A
Lacertosa represents heating-fuel distributors and says fuel-delivery trucks must run engines to operate pumps. He supports 561-A's recognition of pump use and diesel regeneration, backs its due-process reforms, and opposes Intro 11-A until the process is fixed.
Good afternoon, Chair.
Oh, yeah, just speak right into the microphone.
It's hard to hear.
Yeah, you got to get it.
Good afternoon, Chair DeNiro and members of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Waterfronts.
My name is Rocco J.
Lacertoza.
I'm the CEO of the New York State Energy Coalition, or NYSEC.
NYSEC represents liquid heating fuel distributors in the five boroughs of New York City, Lower Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties.
Our members are predominantly small and medium-sized, multi-generational businesses that provide an essential service to homes and businesses throughout the region.
NYSEC supports effective enforcement of New York City's idling laws and does not condone unnecessary idling.
But enforcement must distinguish unnecessary idling from engine operation that is necessary to perform an essential service.
That distinction is particularly important.
Heating fuel delivery trucks must operate pumps to safely and efficiently deliver fuel to homes, apartment buildings, and businesses.
That is not unnecessary idling.
We strongly support Intro 561A's recognition of pumps used in fuel delivery as a
legitimate use, and we urge the Council to ensure the final language clearly protects drivers as when engine operation is necessary to complete a fuel delivery.
NYSEC also supports the bill's exemption for required diesel particulate filter regeneration cycles.
Drivers should not face an idling violation for operating a vehicle in compliance with environment.
We support the broader reforms in Intro 561A, including replacing percentage-based
complaint awards with fixed amounts, establishing reasonable enforcement timelines, and ensuring that respondents receive the video and electronic evidence underlying a violation.
These reforms will make the program more fair, reliable, and focused on genuine compliance rather than financial incentives.
NICEQ also supports Intro 869A and its safeguards against the fraudulent evidence and other abuse of citizen complaint process.
Finally, NICEQ opposes Intro 11A at this time.
The Council should first implement and evaluate the important reforms in Intro 561A before increasing penalties, particularly for the small...
Businesses that make up our membership.
Higher penalties should not come before a fair and reliable enforcement process.
NICEQ urges the Council to advance Intros 561A and 869A.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
Thank you, Mr.
Lassitosa.
Always appreciate working with NICEQ and appreciate your continuing involvement in this process.
And if I had more time, I would speak about what our industry has done.
Well, when I'm done, I'm going to ask questions of the panel.
People might have an ability to get another word in.
And our final panelists on this panel.