Hybrid Cab Fleet Knocked by Appeals Court

A federal appeals court rejected the city's attempt to force cab drivers to switch to hybrid vehicles yesterday, saying regulating fuel efficiency is the federal government's job. The decision, which upheld a 2009 ruling that the city's efforts were an attempt to mandate fuel economy, is the latest in a line of roadblocks. Regarding yesterday's decision, city lawyer Michael Cardozo said, "We do not believe that Congress intended for the Clean Air Act or the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to prohibit local governments from implementing incentive programs that encourage the purchase of environmentally friendly taxis." If the city wants to appeal again, they'll have to take it to the US Supreme Court.

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By Jaya Saxena in News on July 28, 2010 5:13 PM

Comments [rss]

jpeditor

Be careful what you wish for. Arizona wants to implement Federal law that the feds refuse to enforce.

potsmoker

can the city regulate the strong curry and paprika emissions on the breaths of almost every cab driver in nyc? anybody know why cabbies usually stink and we cant pronounce their last names?

glennQNYC

Gotta love when reality smacks the warming loons in the face.

Politburo

This move would not only be a very small step towards reducing CO2 emissions, but it would also reduce:

Fuel use

Noise

NOx emissions

VOC emissions

PM emissions

PAH emissions

All the above emissions go into your lungs as you walk down the street.

Gotta love it, yup.

lauren

regulating fuel efficiency is the federal governments job? must have missed the amendment in the constitution talking about hybrid cars

Politburo

The reasoning is that if every state set fuel economy standards, it would affect interstate commerce, which is in the Constitution.

A special exemption was granted for California, who had begun to regulate autos before this thinking was enshrined into law.