Power Authority Playing Key Role in Governor Pataki's Clean-Vehicle Initiatives
Contact Brian Warner 914-390- 8183 brian.warner@nypa.gov
May 23, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ALBANY—New York Power Authority (NYPA) President and Chief Operating Officer Eugene W. Zeltmann said Wednesday that the Power Authority is making a major contribution to Gov. George E. Pataki’s efforts to lead New York "on a road to cleaner, greener transportation."
"Governor Pataki has led the way with such policies as rigorous vehicle emission standards, tax incentives for clean-fueled vehicles, and bond-act funding for clean-fueled vehicles in public fleets and mass transit," Zeltmann said at ceremonies to welcome participants in the 13th annual Tour de Sol race for electric, hybrid-electric and solar-powered entrants.
"The Governor’s vigorous efforts to promote clean-fueled vehicles demonstrate his strong commitment to protecting the Empire State’s environment," Zeltmann told the Empire State Plaza audience.
Zeltmann said that the Power Authority "has answered Governor Pataki’s call to advance clean-fuel vehicle technologies with its nationally recognized electric transportation program. NYPA has placed more than 200 electric vehicles in operation, including station cars, school buses, fleet vehicles and transit buses.
"The electric vehicles deployed by NYPA and its customers have traveled more than one million miles, making NYPA the first electric utility in the Northeast to reach that significant EV milestone," said Zeltmann, who is a co-chair of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Americas, an association of electric utilities, vehicle manufacturers, EV component suppliers, research institutions and government agencies working to advance electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure.
He said NYPA is exploring the use of Ford Motor Co.’s new "TH!NK" electric vehicles as commuter and station cars and is working on advanced technologies for hybrid-electric buses and expanded use of electric delivery vehicles.
Zeltmann said NYPA was proud to continue its annual financial support of the Tour de Sol entry from Cato-Meridian High School in Cayuga County. He noted that this year’s version of the school’s solar-powered electric car, the Sunpacer, includes a high-efficiency battery charger, a new two-speed gear system and other new or improved components.
