Port Authority Advances Projects to Reduce Emissions

Initiatives Are Part Of An Award-Winning Environmental Program The Port Authority announced today an aggressive environmental program that will help improve air quality for the 18 million residents in the metropolitan region. The projects include: · Expanding the bistate agency's fleet of clean fuel vehicles with the purchase of 16 compressed natural gas (CNG) passenger vans. · Replacement of the engines of two tugboats working in New York harbor with lower emission engines. Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia said, "These programs, along with other initiatives, demonstrate the Port Authority's commitment to do its part to protect and improve the region's environment even as the agency continues to implement one of the largest capital programs in its history. Governor McGreevey has made it clear that a clean environment is a critical part of making sure this region remains an ideal place to live and to do business, and we are proud that these programs can help support that effort." Port Authority Vice Chairman Charles A. Gargano said, "Governor Pataki has demonstrated that we can improve our environment while we advance our economic development agenda. These Port Authority programs are another example of this fundamental public policy." Port Authority Executive Director Joseph J. Seymour said, "The Port Authority continually seeks to identify programs that improve the environment in our day-to-day operations and our construction projects. With an agency as large and far-reaching as the Port Authority, a single program, such as the purchase of CNG vehicles, can make a significant difference in regional air quality and quality of life." The Port Authority recently received delivery of the first 16 new Ford E-350 CNG vans. The vans cost cost approximately $24,xx,000 each. This purchase increases the total of CNG vehicles in the Port Authority fleet to 205. The Port Authority ranks among the nation's top 100 government and private clean fuel vehicle fleets, according to Automotive Fleet magazine. The tugboat engine replacement project is part of the air conformity requirements established for the 50-foot harbor-wide channel-deepening program. The project, which includes the replacement of two engines on each tug, costs $600,000 and will reduce the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 50 tons a year. The engine replacement project is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. The Port Authority has initiated a test program for the use of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) on heavy equipment used in the construction of the temporary World Trade Center PATH station. The data and experience gathered from this test program will be used to evaluate opportunities to implement a larger use of ULSD fueled equipment in the more construction of the permanent World Trade Center PATH terminal. The Port Authority also is partnering with the New York City Department of Transportation to conduct a test pilot project to retrofit the engine exhaust system on one Staten Island Ferry. If the test project is successful, the Port Authority will fund a programprogram to retrofit all six remaining vessels in the Staten Island Ferry fleet. The American Association of Port Authorities recently recognized the Port Authority's "Green Ports Tenant Environmental Awareness Program" with the Association's 2003 Environmental Improvement Award. This voluntary program presents a comprehensive review of environmental aspects affecting port tenant business operations including legal requirements, best management practices, pollution prevention, environmentally sensitive design and construction and other areas where marine terminal tenants can minimize the environmental impact of their operations. A brochure was recently published outlining environmental programs in the Port of New York and New Jersey. It highlights, among other issues, the environmental advantages inherent in moving more international cargo by ship, rail and barge rather than by truck. The brochure itself is printed on elemental chlorine-free paper with 50 percent recycled and 15 percent post-consumer waste.