DIESEL GENERATOR PROHIBITION

A.7434 (Rosenthal, et al.)

S.3172 (Johnson, et al.)

Summary

This bill would prohibit the use of diesel-powered engines to produce electricity in areas of the state that do not meet health-based air quality standards for ozone set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The prohibition would not apply to units with a capacity of less than 100 kilowatts, units that already meet strict emissions standards, and units run during power failures.

Explanation

As of December 2007, 30 counties in New York State do not meet the EPA’s air quality standards for ozone. Diesel-powered engines are a significant source of pollution in these counties. In June 2003, the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM), of which New York is a member, estimated that small diesel generators in New York City alone annually emitted 6,480 tons of nitrogen oxides (NO_x), 260 tons of large particulate matter (PM10), and 580 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These small units operate most frequently during times of hot weather and high prices. Because these emissions tend to be released closer to the ground and units are most often located near or in heavily populated areas, they pose serious public health concerns. The nitrogen oxides emitted by these engines significantly contribute to the blanket of smog that chokes urban areas on summer days. 

The majority of diesel generators currently in use are more polluting than other electricity generating technologies. As this bill requires, these dirty diesels should be used only during actual power outages.

Environmental Advocates of New York supports this bill.