Proposed Res. No. 1223-A
Resolution calling upon the United States Congress to fully explore adopting legislation and/or regulatory measures to incentivize the immediate marketing and use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, to develop the re-fueling infrastructure to support these vehicles and to consider making the manufacture and importation of gasoline combustion vehicles unlawful by a date certain; and calling upon the city of New York to take steps to advance the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology and to find ways to promote New York City as an economic center for hydrogen fuel cell technology.
By Council Members Fidler, Rivera, Comrie, Oddo, Mendez, Yassky, Nelson, Arroyo, Gonzalez, Gerson, Gentile, Koppell, Lappin, Liu, Mark-Viverito, Mealy, Seabrook, Sanders Jr., Palma, Recchia Jr., Vacca, Stewart, Foster, Reyna, Gioia, White Jr., Dilan, Brewer, James, Weprin, Sears and de Blasio.
Whereas, There is concern that air pollution caused by gasoline combustion engine emissions creates risks to our health, the health of our children, future generations and the welfare of our environment and ecological system; and
Whereas, Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which create electricity using a chemical reaction involving hydrogen and oxygen, are zero emissions vehicles; and
Whereas, General Motors, Toyota Motor Company and Honda currently have approximately two hundred demonstration vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells being driven in California, Washington, D.C. and New York, in Westchester County; and
Whereas, Chevrolet has begun public test drives of one hundred hydrogen-fueled sport utility vehicles, according to information located on the General Motors website on April 24, 2009; and
Whereas, The use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles would help to wean the United States off dependence on expensive and dwindling foreign oil, which contributes to pollution; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the United States Congress to fully explore adopting legislation and/or regulatory measures to incentivize the immediate marketing and use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, to develop the re-fueling infrastructure to support these vehicles and to consider making the manufacture and importation of gasoline combustion vehicles unlawful by a date certain; and further calls upon the city of New York to take steps to advance the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology and to find ways to promote New York City as an economic center for hydrogen fuel cell technology.
PH
LS # 4372
4/27/09 12:17 p.m.