Thomas Bailey opposes 561 and suggests more DEP staff and signage

Good afternoon.

Thank you, Chairman Gennaro.

Appreciate you holding this hearing and taking the time to really hear our views.

I was born in New York City, and I currently live in Midtown East.

I'm here to express my concerns with 561.

My support for the Citizens Air Complaint Program comes down to quality of life and keeping New York City a great place to live.

I have great respect for truckers and utility workers and understand that driving in New York is not easy.

Let alone a large truck.

I also understand these guys are trying to run a business.

But too often, I see giant trucks idling while workers are simply eating a pizza or on their phones while in the truck during a perfectly nice sunny day.

The truck industry representatives have mentioned lift gates and refrigeration units, but each citizen complaint currently must prove to DEP that a lift gate is not in use or a refrigeration unit is independently powered.

To conclude, my suggestion here is to improve the program as follows.

DEP needs more technology investment as well as more staff members to better handle

the high number of violations in a timely manner.

One additional suggestion is that the city could provide more public street signage indicating that idling is against the law in high density areas.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Mr.

Bailey.

I appreciate your testimony.

Next witness, Andrew Lynch.

You may begin.