Global warming pollution and vehicle emissions in New York City

Global Warming

John Tomar

1578 Sunnyside Drive

New York, New York 10035

Hon. Charles E. Schumer

322 Hart Senate Office Building

Dear Hon. Senator Schumer;

I am writing to let you know about a serious issue that plagues our city, our nation, and that could possibly affect the entire world. As you may or may not be aware, according to a 2011 report by the American Lung Association, New York City placed 21st among the most polluted cities in the U.S. (American Lung Association, 2011). A look out the window of any building in New York at rush hour brings the problem home as the mass affect of gasoline powered vehicles in New York can be an overwhelming site to see. Pollution from vehicles is a major contributor to greenhouse gases that are the heart of the global warming problem (NRDC, 2011).

If current projections are correct NYC would be significantly affected by the results. NYC has already experienced some of the effects of global warming at two times the global average through rises in sea level and an average increase in regional temperatures. This means that the urban heat sink will make New York streets even hotter in the summer, placing residents at risk. The first systems be placed at risk are the subways and underground workings of the city by flooding (Zimmer, 2011). If this rise in global temperatures continues, the city will see threats to waste water treatment and water supply systems through inundation by saltwater (Zimmer, 2011). These problems are serious due to population density of the area.

The good news is that solutions are now available that can help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere by cars in New York City. Currently, hydrogen fuel cells hold the most promise for reduction of greenhouse gases. However, this technology is still in its infancy and is not yet ready for the mass consumer market. However, several models of hybrid gas-electric cars are on the consumer market. It is estimated that the use of these hybrid engines can cut global warming pollution by more than 1/3 or more with the current technology (NRDC, 2011).

Several pieces of legislation have already been introduced requiring the marketing and use of more fuel efficient vehicle's. However, oil companies and the gasoline industry have not been behind these pieces of legislation, as they cut into their profits. For instance, a legal loophole allows them to make SUVs less fuel efficient than they could be (NRDC). This loophole, and the popularity of these vehicles, resulted in a 20% increase in greenhouse gases since the 1990s (NRDC, 2011). The only ones that this loophole benefits are the wealthy oil companies. Yet, everyone else has to suffer the consequences of greenhouse gas buildup and global warming. The City of New York will suffer greatly as a result of loopholes that benefit only a select few.