City cab drivers fear proposed clean-air rules

Change would require upgrades or new vehicles

By RYAN JUSTIN FOX Staff Writer

Published 06/22/09

A new environmental policy proposed by Mayor Ellen O. Moyer is designed to minimize emissions from city vehicles, but it's taking some older-model Annapolis taxicabs along for the ride.

A bill introduced by the mayor requires all city-owned or -licensed vehicles to convert to clean-air technology within four years.

Under the policy, all vehicles owned or licensed by the city must either be a low-emissions car or a hybrid by 2013. If the vehicle is not a hybrid, it would have to get at least 33 miles per gallon of gasoline.

The bill currently making its way through the City Council is intended mainly for the...

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Wonder - 2009-06-24 07:20:42

I just wonder what the "penalties or repercussions for noncompliant taxis" will be. Are they going to pull their licenses or just make them pay a surcharge for non compliance? It would be interesting to know this in order to detail the likelihood this will have an impact.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Good

Hybrids - 2009-06-23 20:54:16

There are already decent sized cars that get this kind of mileage. The Ford Escape Hybrid gets about 33 mpg. There are mid-sized sedans such as the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid that do much better than that. Besides, if you'd read the story it says that if the car is NOT a hybrid it needs to get 33 mpg. There are a number of BIG hybrids that get much less than 33 mpg but would apparently satisfy the requirements. Personally I think the city can make whatever rules it wants for it's own vehicles. Forcing private businessmen - the taxi drivers...who aren't exactly getting rich - to comply is a bit much.

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Nils P. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Neutral

Idiocy - 2009-06-23 07:24:35

Moyer (And other 'Progressives') seem to think they can legislate over and above the Laws of Physics.
33+ MPG for a vehicle that MUST be able to carry 5+ passengers plus luggage?
Oh and it has to be safe too and non-polluting.
Perhaps Ms. Moyer can convince GM or Ford to manufacture a vehicle just for Taxi use in Annapolis. I'm sure they'll tell her to go pound sand as they have enough problems dealing with Idiots on the Federal level.

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E. Giles - West River, MD - Karma: Neutral