June 24, 2008
Protecting the Environment
Few cities are as sensitive to environmental change as New York City, yet we have done far too little to protect our natural resources and to protect ourselves from the dangers of global warming. With childhood asthma rates continuing to soar – especially in many of our lowest-income communities – we need to do more to clean our air. I wrote the law that put gas-electric hybrid taxis on city streets, reducing air pollution by replacing obsolete gas guzzlers; and I have pushed for the City to use biofuels instead of conventional heating oil whenever possible. But that is just the beginning.As Comptroller, I will audit agencies to push for higher levels of energy efficiency throughout the city administration, which will help clear our air and save taxpayers’ money, including pushing for all city-owned cars to meet hybrid efficiency standards, with exceptions for emergency vehicles that cannot maintain their performance with Hybrid technology. And just as Comptrollers Thompson and Dinapoli have done, I will use the investment power of the pension funds to urge energy and other companies to cut back on their emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases; and I will invest the pension funds in green technology companies that can help the environment while giving us a substantial return on investment.
The Comptroller is the taxpayers' watchdog, serving as the City's Chief Financial Officer; fiscal auditor; investment advisor and enforcement agent protecting working people. Second only to the Mayor in terms of the scope and responsibilities of the office, the Comptroller has financial oversight over virtually all city agencies and spending.
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