New York State is actively combating air pollution through strategic initiatives funded by the Volkswagen (Vw) settlement. A significant portion of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions within the state, specifically two-thirds as of 2014, originates from mobile sources. These sources encompass a wide range of transportation, including trucks, buses, cars, trains, and boats. It’s estimated that VW vehicles equipped with defeat devices contributed approximately 3,000 tons of excess NOx emissions in New York. To counteract this, the state has developed a comprehensive plan leveraging VW settlement funds to not only offset these excess emissions but to significantly improve air quality.
The ambitious goal set forth by this plan is to achieve a minimum reduction of 4,500 tons of NOx emissions. To put this into perspective, this reduction is comparable to removing the emissions from around 65,000 typical passenger vehicles over their entire 10-year operational lifespan. This substantial decrease in NOx is crucial for public health and environmental well-being in New York.
Furthermore, recognizing the importance of addressing climate change, the plan also targets carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. New York State benefits from a relatively clean and low-carbon electric power supply. Capitalizing on this, the plan aims for new all-electric vehicle replacement and repowering projects to achieve a lifetime reduction of at least 130,000 tons of CO2 emissions. This dual focus on NOx and CO2 demonstrates a holistic approach to emissions reduction, addressing both air quality and climate concerns with the support of VW settlement funds.
Strategic Project Locations for Maximum Impact
The deployment of funds from the VW settlement is designed to provide widespread benefits to the residents of New York State. Diesel emission reduction projects are being strategically located across the state to maximize air quality improvements for all New Yorkers. A key priority is to target areas already facing air quality challenges, particularly those communities disproportionately affected by diesel exhaust emissions.
These priority areas include Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) and neighborhoods situated near major transportation hubs such as rail yards, transit centers, and port facilities. By focusing on these locations, the plan ensures that the benefits of the VW settlement reach the populations most vulnerable to air pollution. This targeted approach aims to rectify environmental injustices and promote equitable access to clean air across New York State through carefully selected project locations funded by the VW settlement.
Collaborative Development and Public Input
The emission reduction plan was meticulously crafted through a transparent and inclusive process. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) actively engaged with the public and various stakeholder groups to ensure a comprehensive and effective strategy. This engagement included a series of six public events attended by over 150 individuals, alongside more than 60 additional meetings held throughout the state.
These additional meetings facilitated dialogue with a diverse range of stakeholders, including:
- Environmental advocacy organizations
- Transportation industry representatives
- Vehicle manufacturers, including insights related to VW and similar technologies
- Industry associations
- Environmental Justice groups representing impacted communities
- State and local government agencies
This extensive outreach effort yielded over 190 comments, showcasing strong public interest and engagement. These comments included valuable project proposals, submitted through the DEC website, further enriching the plan’s development and ensuring it effectively utilizes the VW settlement for maximum benefit.
In addition to public and stakeholder engagement, DEC collaborated closely with key state entities to leverage expertise and resources. These collaborations included:
- New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
- New York Power Authority (NYPA)
- Transit Authorities across the state, vital for implementing changes in public transportation
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ)
- New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)
- New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT)
This collaborative approach ensured that the plan benefited from a wide range of perspectives and technical expertise, optimizing the use of VW settlement funds for impactful emission reduction projects across New York State.
Ongoing Engagement and Future Updates
The DEC remains committed to an open and adaptive approach as the emission reduction plan progresses. Continued input is welcomed and encouraged as implementation moves forward. Individuals and organizations can submit comments and suggestions via email to [email protected]. Submissions should include name and contact information to facilitate follow-up if necessary.
For those seeking deeper information regarding the broader context of the VW settlement, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides comprehensive details on their website: United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Furthermore, Volkswagen offers information for consumers on the settlement and buyback/modification programs, along with access to relevant court documents, available at: Volkswagen.
This webpage will be regularly updated to reflect the progress of the plan and the allocation of VW settlement funding to eligible projects throughout New York State. This ensures transparency and keeps the public informed about the ongoing efforts to improve air quality and reduce emissions utilizing VW settlement resources.
