REMARKS
Repeat violations by companies and Introduction 291
0:05:09
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61 sec
Council Member Gennaro addresses the issue of companies repeatedly violating idling laws and introduces Introduction 291, which proposes increased penalties for repeat offenders.
- Large companies like Con Edison, Amazon, and Verizon have received thousands of idling violations between 2019 and April 2023
- These violations are often treated as a cost of doing business, which does not decrease pollution
- Introduction 291, sponsored by Council Member Menin, proposes increased idling penalties for buses and trucks
- The goal of anti-idling laws is to decrease pollution, not generate revenue
James F. Gennaro
0:05:09
Despite the increase in civilian enforcement of the city's idling laws, certain companies continue to accrue a large number of repeat violations.
0:05:20
According to a press release from the mayor's office, Con Edison, Amazon, Verizon, and other large companies each received thousands of idling violations between 2019 April 2023, which are presumably regarded by such companies as a cost of doing business, which does nothing to decrease pollution from idling.
0:05:43
Increased island penalties for buses and trucks, such as those proposed by intro 291, which is sponsored by councilmember of Menon, and she'll have an opportunity to speak on a bill after I finish my statement, could help to stop recidivist idlers and lead to less pollution.
0:05:58
The goal of anti idling laws are to decrease pollution not to generate revenue.
0:06:05
Further, some have raised concerns that the idling complaint program is not sufficiently accessible.
