DEC Invites Public to Submit Clean Air Projects for Funding Through VW Settlement

DEC Announces Public Presentations in Rochester, Long Island City and Albany

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that it is holding three public outreach events to describe projects eligible for funding from the multi-state settlement with Volkswagen (VW).

The settlement stems from a 40-state investigation of VW's installation of software devices that caused its diesel vehicles to cheat on environmental pollution tests. Mitigation projects should utilize funds efficiently to offset excess nitrogen oxide emissions from VW vehicles equipped with "defeat device" software that allowed them to exceed air pollution limits.

New York State expects to receive approximately $127.7 million from the settlement with VW to be used for mitigation projects that could be used to replace or repower older diesel equipment, heavy duty trucks, buses, freight switcher locomotives, and/or ferries and tugs.

The meetings are open to the public. Stakeholders including Environmental Justice groups, environmental organizations, municipalities, and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend. Registration is not required. Each meeting will include a brief presentation followed by open discussion of eligible mitigation projects.

Presentation schedule:

Long Island City:

July 10, 2017 (4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.)

Region 2 Long Island City Office
1 Hunter's Point Plaza
47-40 21st Street
Long Island City, NY 11101-5401

Albany:

July 20, 2017 (4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.)

NYSDEC Central Office
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233

Rochester:

July 24, 2017 (4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.)

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County
114 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14604

DEC is partnering with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, New York Power Authority, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, New York Department of Transportation, New York City Department of Transportation, New York State Thruway Authority, New York State Department of Public Safety, and Metropolitan Transit Authority to develop the VW Settlement environmental mitigation plan.

New York State is seeking comments and suggestions for NO_x mitigation projects that would utilize funds efficiently and reduce NO_x emissions. Comments should be sent to: VW.AppenD@dec.ny.gov.

Please visit DEC's website to learn more about the VW settlement and potential mitigation projects.