Request from Wayne Arden
Supporting Presentation:
Here’s how Green Drinks members can reach out to Mayor Adams to express support for the ZEV for NYC Act (Intro 0279-2022).
1. We suggest a message along the following lines, although of course if people would like to personalize it, that is fine too.
Dear Mayor Adams,
Transportation emissions are the second largest source of emissions in New York City. The ZEV for NYC Act (Intro 0279-2022) would require the City to transition to a zero-emissions fleet by July 1, 2035. The City is a leader in addressing building emissions and now needs to rise to the challenge of reducing transportation emissions. Not only would this bill cut emissions, it would start reducing harmful pollutants released by medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks that cause New Yorkers in so many neighborhoods to suffer from severe respiratory conditions. The ZEV for NYC Act has overwhelming support in the NYC Council. Let’s demonstrate to the nation that New York City is indeed the Big Apple — the city leading the way to arrest climate change and to improve air quality for residents and visitors alike. I urge you to work with Speaker Adams and Majority Leader Powers to pass this essential bill by Earth Day (April 22). Why wait? Let’s seize this opportunity to act now.
2. Please send this message in an email to: Alfonso Lopez, Chief of Staff, NYC Mayor’s Office of City Legislative Affairs: alopez@cityhall.nyc.gov.
3. Please ask members to list their names and addresses. The address is critical — politicians pay attention to the opinions of constituents, i.e., people who reside in New York City. If comfortable, please add a phone number as well. For members who work in sustainability-related businesses with a presence in New York — please add a sentence or two referencing that fact and arguing that the bill, if enacted, would strengthen New York City’s credentials as a leading business center of sustainability.
4 Background information includes:
- Union of Concerned Scientists blog, February 13, 2023: New York City May Soon Set the Pace for Vehicle Electrification
- Sierra Club December 15, 2022 press release: Environmental Advocates, Business Leaders, & Elected Officials Say It’s Time For NYC To Go ZEV
- NYC Committee on Environmental Protection December 15, 2022 hearing written testimony: download “Hearing Testimony 12/15/22”, https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5570518&GUID=7D043D66-332E-4243-9083-D9CA6A202E4D&Options=&Search=
- Gotham Gazette, September 21, 2022 opinion, W. Arden, A. Ullah, Recharge NYC Climate Policies; City Government Must Finally Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles
5. Lastly, I’ve attached an updated PowerPoint (dated Feb. 16) that directly compares New York State to California — this makes the point a bit more directly that New York should pass the bill to accelerate progress.
We very much appreciate your interest and support!
Best Regards,
Wayne Arden
Co-founder
Arden & Bassam Partners
+1 646 436-6083 mobile
