We will reduce diesel emissions through City investment and incentives
A substantial amount of the pollution from on-road vehicles is concentrated in one mode; according to a 2002 study, 25% to 50% of the city's local overall criteria pollutant emissions can be traced to heavy duty diesel-trucks.

Significantly reducing emissions from diesel vehicles requires either buying new trucks or employing a range of alternate strategies to improve performance. With the new Federal diesel regulations that went into effect in 2007, all new trucks will release 90% fewer emissions. But diesel vehicles tend to operate for many years; as a result, immediate air quality benefits will require improving the performance of older vehicles. Strategies include retrofitting trucks with diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC) or diesel particulate filters (DPF), upgrading engines, using cleaner fuels, and reducing idling.

A DOC is installed on the tailpipe of the truck to convert CO (carbon monoxide) and HC (hydrocarbons) to H2O (water) and CO2. DOCs are often used when equipment is too old to accept the modern retrofits, and range from $2,000 to $5,000 each. A DPF includes the DOC converter but also incorporates a ceramic honeycomb-like structure to capture additional diesel soot or small particles. That means that it can capture a substantially higher amount of PM 2.5, but can be three times as expensive. The cost of a DPF ranges from $10,000 to $15,000, depending on the type and age of the vehicle on which it is installed.

In conjunction with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), it is possible to reduce PM 2.5 emissions from a single truck by 85% to 90% using these strategies.

We will introduce biodiesel into the City's truck fleet, go beyond compliance with local laws, and further reduce emissions
In 2005, the City Council required the retrofit or replacement of most heavy-duty City highway vehicles with the "best available retrofit technology" and the use of ULSD by 2012. (See chart: Diesel Fuel Emission Reductions in Particulate Matter)

The City is in the process of retrofitting its heavy duty vehicles to achieve and exceed compliance thresholds. While compliance can be reached through the use of DOCs or DPFs, some agencies are going above and beyond the requirement with purchases of new compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks. For example, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will purchase 10 new CNG trucks in 2007. Similarly, the Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) purchased 20 CNG sedans this fiscal year and plans to purchase 20 more in the next fiscal year.

With alternative fuels, we will go beyond the legislative requirements and explore even more ambitious options. Biodiesel is an alternative diesel fuel that is produced from animal fats or vegetable oils (including recycled restaurant oils). It can be used alone, but is more commonly mixed with regular diesel. B5 fuel combines 5% biodiesel with 95% regular diesel, while B20 mixes 20% biodiesel with 80% diesel.

Biodiesel has significantly lower emissions than petroleum diesel. DSNY and DPR have already established B5 biodiesel fueling stations for their heavy duty vehicles. During the summer, DPR uses B20 when the fuel is not at risk of gelling from the cold weather.

The City will introduce biodiesel throughout its heavy-duty vehicle fleet. For example, in spring 2007, the City's Department of Transportation (DOT) will begin using B5 biodiesel. The City will gradually increase the percentage of B20 biodiesel as the higher mixtures are proven to work under different conditions and there is an adequate and reasonably priced supply.

Progress (as of 4/22/08):
In March, DPR expanded its use of B20 (a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent traditional diesel) to 10 fuel sites and to all 800 diesel operated vehicles and equipment. DSNY expanded the use of B5 throughout its on- and off-road diesel fleets, while piloting B20 at one depot in Queens, and in July, DOT began using B5 in all of its heavy trucks. In November, DEP began to introduce B5 in its Queens maintenance fleet and since then has expanded the use of B5 to the 9 sites that fuel DEP's in-City watermain and sewer maintenance and repair operations. The DSNY, DPR, and DOT continue to use a B5 blend in their heavy diesel trucks in the winter months, and plan to switch to a B20 blend during the summer operating period, which starts around April. Over the next year, the City will continue to expand the use of biodiesel into heavy duty fleets operated by other agencies.

We will accelerate emissions reductions of private fleets through existing CMAQ programs
In addition to the City's efforts to improve the environmental performance of its own fleet, we will also work to reduce emissions from private fleets. Private delivery fleets log thousands of miles a year on New York roadways. Since 2000, we have worked with NYSERDA to manage a Federal CMAQ-funded initiative that helps private sector companies and non-profit entities retrofit their vehicles or switch to alternative fuels. Program participants can convert to either CNG or hybrid vehicles or retrofit their diesel vehicles. To date, the City has reached approximately 90 trucks, spending roughly $4 million. And we will do more. (See case study: FedEx)

Over the next five years, we will significantly expand this program through $20 million in CMAQ funding. Depending on the type of upgrade and the vehicle, this will allow us to possibly reach more than 450 trucks.

Progress (as of 4/22/08):
Building on the multi-year success of its program for retrofitting and repowering private fleets using Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds, DOT continues to partner with NYSERDA to build the program. NYSERDA awarded the City $3.2 million in Summer 2007 and plans to release funding for various awards totaling $6 million by mid-2008. Work will continue to prepare for future CMAQ funding opportunities in late 2008 or early 2009. The City is also moving forward on a planned inventory of trucks at the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center in the Bronx to identify additional targets for retrofit and anti-idling awards.

We will work with stakeholders and the State to create incentives for the adoption of vehicle emission control and efficiency strategies
To achieve our air quality goal, we need to reduce emissions from an even greater number of diesel vehicles. The City will work with the State and other stakeholders to create a fund to support costs for retrofits and anti-idling technologies for at least 1,200 more vehicles in the city over five years.

California has developed a program that can serve as a strong model for New York State. The California Carl Moyer Program offers over $140 million a year to fund retrofits to diesel trucks. Over the first six years, the fund has resulted in retrofits of about 7,000 vehicles and emission reductions of 14 tons of NOX and over one ton of PM per day. In addition, this program has lead to wide-scale adoption of tailpipe controls and the use of lower carbon fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel or natural gas. Another state with a similar programs is Texas, while Massachusetts and Pennsylvania will be unveiling rebate programs by the end of 2007. It is time for New York State to join them.

Progress (as of 4/22/08):
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) released the State Implementation Plan for fine particulates and credited PlaNYC initiatives for helping to achieve air quality standards. However, the SIP does not propose the creation of a statewide retrofit fund. Therefore, the City will work with stakeholders to identify other mechanisms and opportunities for the creation of a state clean air retrofit fund that can operate like California's Carl Moyer fund.

We will improve compliance of existing anti-idling laws through a targeted educational campaign
Idling releases pollutants into the air, increases engine operating costs for fleets, and shortens engine life. The best anti-idling strategies include a mixture of incentives for retrofits, laws and enforcement of those laws, and education. The CMAQ-funded program and the proposed State incentive mentioned above will play a significant role in reducing emissions from truck idling. But there is even more we can do locally.

Anti-idling technologies are already explored and implemented when feasible, including cold plating (allowing the vehicle to stay refrigerated when the engine is turned off for short periods of time). The City is evaluating these technologies as solutions for our local refrigerated delivery and long-distance trucking fleets. Once the most effective strategies have been identified, we will use CMAQ funding to incentivize owners to incorporate the technologies.

New York also limits the amount of time a vehicle can idle. New York City has a three-minute idling limit that targets all vehicles, including trucks and buses. New York State established an anti-idling law in 1990 that set a five-minute idling limit for heavy-duty diesel vehicles, excluding marine vehicles.

To achieve the widest compliance, the City will partner with community organizations and businesses to launch a series of public service announcements, signage, and other marketing strategies in 2008 to educate the public on the anti-idling laws and the environmental and economic benefits of reduced idling. In addition, the city and its partners will employ a more targeted outreach to drivers, business owners, fleet operators, and unions. A similar program launched by Toronto cost $100,000 to $300,000 and, in some specific locations, resulted in more than a 60% reduction in idling.

Progress (as of 4/22/08):
The City partnered with NYS DEC and DEP to carry out an enforcement action to address urban air pollution in East Harlem, culminating in a press conference on November 16 to create awareness of State and City air quality standards and efforts. The City and NYS DEC are analyzing data collected in that enforcement sweep and will conduct similar joint enforcement efforts on an ongoing basis. OLTPS is currently convening City agencies to address enforcement challenges and beginning discussions with potential partners to plan a comprehensive public education campaign. OLTPS is also working to increase public access to information about the City and State anti-idling laws via the City's 311 call system.