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New York City Clean-Air Taxi Rules Are Working, Proving Air Pollution Regulations Pay Off

3 min read

Sustainable Planet
Source: Unsplash/JohnFornander

Clean-air taxi rules in New York City increased cabs’ fuel efficiency and reduced air pollution over the past ten years, a new study finds.

NYC Clean Air Taxi Legislation sees fuel efficiency up and pollution down over 10 years

According to a new study led by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, the Clean Air Taxi legislation that was passed in 2006 in New York City has been successful in reducing air pollution. The fuel efficiency of 13,500 yellow taxis nearly doubled (from 15.7 miles per gallon to 33.1 miles per gallon) between 2009 and 2015 as a result of the new regulations. The study is published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, and it’s proof of what we can achieve when we put our minds to it and all pull in the same direction.

“The past decade has seen steady improvements in the quality of air in New York City, and clean-air taxis appear to be one contributing factor,” said study co-author Dustin Fry, MPH. “This is good news for New Yorkers’ health since we know air pollution raises the risks of low birth weight and asthma in children.”
A decade of improvement in NYC air quality “The past decade has seen steady improvements in the quality of air in New York City, and clean-air taxis appear to be one contributing factor,” said study co-author Dustin Fry, MPH. “This is good news for New Yorkers’ health since we know air pollution raises the risks of low birth weight and asthma in children.” Source: Unsplash/MichaelHutchinson
The Clean Air Taxi laws made it a requirement to set aside at least 9% of the city’s new medallions for hybrid vehicles or for those that use compressed natural gas. The legislation also gave cab companies some incentive to buy low-emission taxis by extending the amount of time these models are allowed to be used.
The days of these gas-guzzlers are gone The Clean Air Taxi laws made it a requirement to set aside at least 9% of the city’s new medallions for hybrid vehicles or for those that use compressed natural gas. The legislation also gave cab companies some incentive to buy low-emission taxis by extending the amount of time these models are allowed to be used. Source: Unsplash/PaulineBernfeld
They estimated cab-related exhaust emissions of nitric oxide and particulate matter using inspection and trip data. The team also looked at New York City Community Air Survey data from more than 100 monitoring sites across the city to calculate the changes in air quality.
The researchers mapped the intensity of taxi traffic across the city They estimated cab-related exhaust emissions of nitric oxide and particulate matter using inspection and trip data. The team also looked at New York City Community Air Survey data from more than 100 monitoring sites across the city to calculate the changes in air quality. Source: Unsplash/FabienBazanegue
The study revealed that the fuel efficiency of the medallion taxi fleet climbed from 15.7 to 33.1 MPG, while nitrous oxide emissions declined by 82% and particulate exhaust declined by 49%. The greatest benefits were found in Manhattan neighborhoods with a high density of yellow taxis.
Emissions down 82% and particulates down by 49% The study revealed that the fuel efficiency of the medallion taxi fleet climbed from 15.7 to 33.1 MPG, while nitrous oxide emissions declined by 82% and particulate exhaust declined by 49%. The greatest benefits were found in Manhattan neighborhoods with a high density of yellow taxis. Source: Unsplash/MaxBender
said study co-author Dr. Frederica Perera. “Even though overall, yellow taxis account for a small proportion of vehicular miles traveled on New York City’s streets, in midtown they account for almost half. Similar regulations targeting other vehicles could make an even bigger difference.”
“This study provides evidence that air pollution legislation can have real impact,” said study co-author Dr. Frederica Perera. “Even though overall, yellow taxis account for a small proportion of vehicular miles traveled on New York City’s streets, in midtown they account for almost half. Similar regulations targeting other vehicles could make an even bigger difference.” Source: Unsplash/PatrickHendry

It shows what a difference we can make when we put our minds to it

This story from our friends over at FutureCrunch goes to show that when we put our minds to it and think more long term, we can achieve so much. We at BrightVibes think it’s important to report these kinds of progress stories, not to become complacent but to motivate us to do more and better.

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