AGENCY TESTIMONY
Importance of electrification and anti-idling devices
0:22:51
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154 sec
Commissioner Aggarwala emphasizes the importance of electrification and anti-idling devices as solutions to reduce vehicle emissions and idling.
- Explains that most trucks are designed to keep engines running for driver comfort, creating a conflict between obeying the law and driver comfort
- Highlights electrification as the best solution, as electric trucks can idle without producing emissions
- Discusses anti-idling devices as a second-best solution, including their functionality and cost ($5,000-$11,000 per truck)
- Proposes using the civilian complaint program to incentivize companies to install these devices
- Mentions the importance of the 'cure provision' in Intro 941 to encourage mechanical changes over fines
Rohit T. Aggarwala
0:22:51
The most important challenge is fundamentally that most trucks are designed to keep the engine running.
0:22:58
Air conditioning, heating, music, and other cab comfort functions turn off when the engine is off.
0:23:05
Thus, a traditional vehicle forces the driver to choose between obeying the law and his or her own comfort.
0:23:14
The best solution to this is electrification.
0:23:17
Electric trucks can idle all they want without producing emissions.
0:23:21
Further, because most of a vehicle's emissions are generated while it is driving, not while it is stationary.
0:23:28
Replacing 1 gas powered vehicle with an EV has many times the benefits of stopping one vehicle from idling.
0:23:36
A second best solution is retrofitting, and we have some images of those devices on the screen.
0:23:41
Vehicles can be retrofitted with anti idling devices.
0:23:45
Some shut off the engine after a set amount of time and are installed with batteries that power features like air conditioning and lights.
0:23:52
These stop devices reduce idling and prevent drivers from facing discomfort.
0:23:57
This is a tangible mechanical solution that would consistently address this problem.
0:24:02
These devices do cost money.
0:24:04
We estimate between $5,011,000 depending on the battery demand and the complexity of installation per truck to install both anti idling technology and batteries providing for driver comfort.
0:24:16
The civilian complaint program can be a tool to incentivize companies to install these devices.
0:24:23
We have used idling enforcement to encourage these kinds of improvements.
0:24:28
Under the law, DEP has broad authority to grant waivers for idling.
0:24:33
To date, we have granted just one waiver to a fleet that committed to electrifying half of its vehicles by the end of 2025.
0:24:42
Last week, We issued 3 waivers conditional on the applicant's electrifying or installing anti idling devices.
0:24:51
We believe the people of New York would benefit greatly if those companies accept those terms.
0:24:57
But it would be helpful for this program directly to incentivize truck owners to either electrify or install anti idling devices.
0:25:06
This is why the cure provision in intro 941 is so important.
0:25:11
The cure encourages vehicle owners to spend money on a mechanical change instead of a fine.
0:25:16
It encourages the owners to actually address the issue.
0:25:21
Could we go back one slide please now?
0:25:23
Sorry, we were out of order.
