Res. No. 1286

Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to introduce and pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation which would provide a sales and compensating use tax exemption for the purchase of hybrid vehicles.

By Council Members James, Koppell, Liu, Sanders Jr., Palma, Yassky, Sears, Gerson and Gennaro

                     Whereas, Hybrid vehicles aid our environment in many ways; and

                     Whereas, They are more energy efficient, provide better fuel economy, and have reduced air pollution emissions; and

                     Whereas, Hybrid vehicles are much more energy efficient than traditional internal combustion engines because they generally provide greater fuel economy; and                       

                     Whereas, Therefore, hybrids reduce the consumption of petroleum products and the emission of hazardous air pollutants; and

                     Whereas, According to the Environmental Protection Agency, these vehicles can get up to 55 to 60 miles per gallon driving in city and highway driving, as opposed to approximately 24 miles per gallon the average car may get; and

                     Whereas, The exponential price increases that New York State has witnessed in the oil industry shows a justified need to offer incentives to those willing to switch to non- traditional vehicles and reduce the demand for foreign oil; and

                     Whereas, Although there has been an increase in sales of hybrid vehicles, a sales tax and compensating use tax exemption will increase the incentives for consumers to purchase such vehicles and further drive up sales; now, therefore be it

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State

Legislature

to introduce and  pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation which would provide a sales and compensating use tax exemption for the purchase of hybrid vehicles.                                          

TT  6-21-07

LS #3230