Measure To Promote Hybrid Taxis Struck Down
For the second time in eight months, a judge has struck down a measure that would allow hybrid taxis to charge higher rates than regular internal combustion taxis. The measure was instituted by New York City as an incentive for the taxi companies to purchase hybrid vehicles. As the rates for hybrid taxis went up, the city would also decrease the rates charged by regular taxis.
The reason that the measure was struck down was not due to the intent of the regulation, but rather its methods. The judge ruled that standards for vehicle emissions and mileage is the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States Congress. While the NYC government does have the legal right to institute laws that serve the public interest in regards to pollution, they must be careful to frame those laws within their sphere of influence.
In the judge’s opinion, there was mention that there are legal avenues open to the city for them to control the issuing of taxi medallions for hybrid vehicles as well as allowing hybrid vehicles to stay in service longer, thereby increasing their potential profits return.
