|
Commuter Benefits Letter to Gov. Spitzer (in Adobe) Text of Proposal (in Adobe) |
|
|
|
|
February 25, 2007 Honorable Eliot Spitzer Governor of New York State New York State Executive Chamber State Capitol Albany, New York 12224 Dear Governor Spitzer, The world energy crisis and global warming have the people of New York State and our country looking to the government to provide leadership to address the energy, economic and environmental problems we confront. The NYSDEC PEF/encon Steward’s Council is recommending a plan, based upon the offering of commuter benefits to employees across the state, as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants; reduce congestion, parking demand and consumption of our ever tightening supply of oil resources; and to enhance smart growth principles and provide local economic benefits. We are also working with Senator Breslin on a similar proposal. Commuter benefits include transit subsidies, telecommuting, compressed workweek, carpool incentives, flex time and other benefits that reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMTs) by commuters. The transportation sector consumes about sixty-six percent of the total amount of oil used in the state and eighty-seven percent of oil consumed in NYS comes from foreign countries - we are sending money and jobs out-of-state. Additionally, emissions from the transportation sector are one of the largest contributors to global warming. What is missing from most current energy plans is one of the fastest and most effective strategies to reduce oil consumption in the transportation sector: the offering of commuter benefits to commuters. In an energy crisis, energy conservation becomes the primary strategy. Our plan would offer commuter benefits to all State employees, which would show leadership by example (several years ago the State of Arizona granted commuter benefits to all eligible state employees). The plan would also direct state agencies, such as the DEC and DOT, to encourage private and public employers across our state to offer commuter benefits to their employees as recommended by the US EPA and US DOT Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC) program. The BWC program offers national and regional recognition and technical assistance to any employer who provides commuter benefits to their employees. Third, the state could offer tax incentives to encourage employers to offer commuter benefits to their employees. Offering commuter benefits to employees is one of the fastest and least expensive methods to reduce VMTs which will not only reduce oil consumption, but also reduce CO 2 greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants, congestion, parkingdemand and consumption of oil resources. There is a drastic need for new ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Commuter benefits are very popular with employees and they result in little, if any, legal challenges or opposition. Additionally, the disposable income saved on commuting costs would be far better spent, and economically productive, in the local and state economy. Commuter benefits also support smart growth strategies. The DEC Bus Subsidy Program, Downtown Albany BID Commuter Ca$h Program and the Cornell University Comprehensive Transportation Plan, as well as many employer commuter benefit programs, locally and across the country, have proven the effectiveness of commuter benefits. At the national level, President Bush has called upon federal agencies to encourage their employees to carpool, telecommute and use public transportation. Additionally, the federal government is emphasizing the importance of telecommuting in regard to maintaining operations of agencies during an emergency. By making commuter benefits a priority, NYS would move to the national forefront for innovative leadership in energy and environmental issue thus demonstrating a real commitment to solving the energy crisis and global warming. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this proposal further and to respond to any questions. I may be reached at 315-793-2746 or correspondence may be sent to my attention at NYS Public Employees Federation Division 169, Room 1404 State Office Building, 207 Genesee Street, Utica, New York 13501. Sincerely, Terry Tyoe Division Leader NYSDEC PEF/encon Attachment (see below) cc: Judith Enck PEF/encon Stewards Council ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PEF/EnCon Commuter Benefits Proposal Objective: To reduce CO2 greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants, oil consumption, parking demand and road congestion; to encourage smart growth and provide local economic benefits. Proposal: 1) The state of New York would offer commuter benefits to all eligible state employees statewide. Commuter benefits include telecommuting, transit subsidies, compressed work week, pre-tax dollars for transit costs, rideshare matching and incentives, flex hours, etc. 2) New York State would actively support and cooperate with the US Environmental Protection Agency=s Best Workplaces for Commuters program which encourages public and private sector employers to offer commuter benefits to their employees. 3) New York State would enact state tax incentives to encourage employers to provide commuter benefits. i.e. Tax incentives for transit use, companies who allow telecommuting, the purchasing of rideshare matching software. Justification: The offering of commuter benefits would surpass former Governor Pataki's "Comprehensive Plan to Cut New York's Dependence on Imported Energy" and provide a new strategy for reducing CO2 greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants. In an energy crisis, energy conservation becomes the primary strategy. Commuter benefits are the most expedient and effective way to address the energy crisis, especially in the transportation sector. They can help reduce greenhouse gas and other harmful emissions; reduce parking demand, congestion and our dependence on foreign oil; contribute to smart growth planning and provide local economic benefits. The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to global warming and we are in dire need of new ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Commuter benefits can be implemented almost immediately, do not face legal or political resistance like laws and regulations, are very popular with voters, and they have been proven to significantly reduce air pollution and fuel consumption. Commuter benefits not only save employees money, they reduce their commute times and stress, increase time at home with their families and, consequently, have a significant positive effect on the quality of their lives. The DEC Bus Subsidy Program, Downtown Albany BID Commuter Ca$h Program and the Cornell University Comprehensive Transportation Plan reports are available upon request. These reports help document the effectiveness of commuter benefits.
|
Last Updated on February 28, 2007
