Res. No. 154
Resolution calling upon the United States Congress to fully explore adopting legislation and/or regulatory measures to immediately incentivize the use and marketing 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, Chin, Dickens, Dromm, James, Williams and Nelson
Whereas, There is concern that air pollution caused by gasoline and diesel 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, 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; and,
Whereas, General Motors, Toyota Motor Company, Honda, and Chevrolet have all launched demonstration and test drive programs for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, allowing members of the public to use these vehicles on a pilot basis; and
Whereas, Without widely available hydrogen refueling infrastructure, however, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will remain impractical for the general public; and
Whereas, It is appropriate for government to take action to reduce barriers for a technology that would be popular and marketable given the right infrastructure; 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 immediately incentivize the use and marketing 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.
STW
3/24/10
LS #598
Res. No. 1223/2008