Dear friends:

I am writing to share some terrific news about our environmental agenda.

First: Yesterday morning, Mayor Bloomberg and I appeared on the Today Show to announce that New York City taxicabs will all be fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles within five years.  Click here to view the coverage.

Some of you may remember that I first introduced a “Clean Air Cabs” bill five years ago, soon after joining the City Council.  Since then, we got a pilot program for clean-fuel cabs implemented in 2003, and we got incentives for hybrid cabs enacted in last year – but until today, the taxi lobby had been able to block a more comprehensive requirement.

Starting next year, all new taxis will be required to meet strict fuel-efficiency standards.  We should all commend the Mayor for his decisive leadership on this.

Yesterday’s policy change will be effected through Taxi and Limousine Commission regulations – but I will continue to press for City Council legislation to make the policy permanent.  Click here to sign our online petition for passage of the Clean Air Cabs Act, currently pending in the City Council.

Second, I want you to know that I have decided to support the Mayor’s congestion pricing proposal.  I firmly believe that the ever more pressing danger of climate change, and the immediate threat to the City’s economic and respiratory health posed by excessive traffic, require a serious response.

I recognize that many features of the Mayor’s proposal will need to be reworked.  In particular, the boundaries of the “charge zone” and the pricing of the tunnels need further thought.  Fuel-efficient cars and trucks should be exempt from the charge.  Most important, I have insisted that our neighborhoods in northwest Brooklyn must be protected by residential parking permits, and that the whole City must see a significant improvement in bus service (through more express bus lines and dedicated bus lanes on major arteries) before any congestion charge goes into effect.  But looking at the entire picture, I believe the right thing is to join the Mayor’s effort.

Finally, I want to tell you about a new initiative that is moving forward rapidly.  Last month, I joined with Environmental Defense, the League of Conservation Voters and the American Lung Association to propose legislation mandating increased use of biofuels in heating oil.  The idea is to replace some of the highly polluting diesel fuel that is now used to heat homes and offices with cleaner fuel made from soy or palm plants.  This is technologically achievable right now – as with taxis, the only impediment is an industry used to the old ways of doing things.

Together we are making real progress toward a sustainable New York!  Please forward this email to others who would be interested in joining our efforts.

All the best,

David