New York City, New York (NewYorkInjuryNews.com – News Report) – A new city rule was recently passed requiring any new taxis to be hybrid vehicles because of their fuel efficiency rating of at least 25 miles per gallon for city driving and small size. It is part of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s drive to cut pollution and ensure that cities are more aware of the environment. There is progress – out of the 13,237 yellow cabs on the road, 1,400 are hybrids. Hybrids emit 30-50% fewer greenhouse gases.
Yet, it is met with distain from the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade. They state that only the federal government can set rules on fuel efficiency and vehicle emissions and the suit was filed in the Federal District Court. The lawsuit continues to push the claim that hybrid taxis are unsafe due to their weight and size, as compared to the Ford Crown Victoria, which has been the standard taxicab for many years. They argue that passengers and drivers in the hybrids would be more susceptible to injury in an accident, despite the many tests, which report the safety of the hybrids. If they win the suit, the 25-mile per gallon requirement would be raised to 30 miles per gallon for new vehicles. This would be enforced in October 2009.
It is hard to understand why certain groups would fight against something that has been proven to be good for our environment. We cannot continue in the path that we as humans are traveling in, we must reduce our carbon footprint in the earth and changing a few cars to hybrids, is a start. Change will only happen if we agree that our world needs it. Many of us believe we must become energy independent. But how do we do this? By using cars such as the hybrids – because cars and trucks account for 40 percent of U.S. oil consumption. If we increase the vehicle fuel efficiency, it will be one of the most effective ways to promote U.S. energy independence. Why are we arguing over this?
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