ALBANY, NY – The Clean Fuels NY coalition and NYLCV Education Fund hosted a forum about sustainable travel and the importance of creating a statewide clean fuel standard. With legislation to establish a clean fuel standard being a top priority for environmentalists this year, the forum sought to clarify aspects of the program and how it would complement New York’s recently passed Cap-and-Invest program.
A Clean Fuel Standard would incentivize the production of low carbon intensity fuels to power existing trucks and airplanes, while accelerating the uptake of electric vehicles. This is a proven, efficient, and cost-effective way to reduce CO2 emissions and pollution immediately from the transportation sector, one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in New York – all while being paid for by polluters.
“Forums like these provide a wonderful opportunity to educate and inform New Yorkers on issues and policies that will affect their lives,” said Julie Tighe, President, New York League of Conservation Voters. “We want people to understand just how beneficial a Clean Fuel Standard would be for New York and how it fits right into our current legislative priorities. Passing a Clean Fuel Standard will reduce air pollution and accelerate our transition to a clean transportation sector right away. This forum showcased all that and more.”
Jeff Earl, Director of State Governmental Affairs for Clean Fuels Alliance America, commented on the forum saying, “Conversations surrounding clean fuel standards ensure renewable fuels continue to be recognized as a mainstream, low-cost option for immediate decarbonization of heavy-duty transportation. Switching to clean fuels generates economic growth while promoting increased health and environmental benefits.”
“Sustainable Aviation Fuel is one of the most important tools we have to decarbonize aviation. However, there isn’t enough SAF available today to fuel the world's airlines for even a single day. Passing the Clean Fuel Standard and enabling the development of a robust SAF market is a logical next step for leaders in Albany to maintain New York’s position as a global sustainability leader,” said Amelia DeLuca, Chief Sustainability Officer at Delta Air Lines. “Together, we can work to create a more sustainable future and future of travel for all New Yorkers.
“We applaud the NYLCV Education Fund for facilitating a forum to discuss the many benefits of a clean fuel standard for New York. This collaborative effort between many important stakeholders, in which agriculture’s role is to immediately provide renewable fuels to address New York’s decarbonization goals, showcases the coalition’s ability to bring together unique parties to achieve a common goal that is good for all. The path to a clean future is bright with everyone at the table," said Colleen Klein, Executive Director of the New York Corn and Soybean Growers Association.
“DCAS was pleased to join the Clean Fuels NY coalition today in Albany to discuss how best to move forward on reducing emissions for fleet and transportation,” stated DCAS Deputy Commissioner and NYC Chief Fleet Officer Keith Kerman. “NYC operates the largest electric fleet, electric charging network, and renewable fuels programs in NY State. We support efforts that will enable all fleets, public, private and non-profit, to implement these same approaches and reduce transport emissions now.”
“The Black Institute strongly supports the Clean Fuel Standard, recognizing its immense benefits in drastically reducing air pollution. This is a vital step towards healthier environments, especially for communities of color who disproportionally bear the brunt of environmental injustice,” stated Bertha Lewis, President and Founder of The Black Institute.
A FULL VIDEO RECODING OF THE EVENT IS AVAILABLE HERE.