Cranston requiring lower emissions

CRANSTON – Overriding a veto by the mayor, the Cranston City Council last week passed an ordinance that will require construction vehicles on city projects to emit fewer emissions.
The new rules apply to city contracts valued at more than $2 million. The ordinance requires diesel-powered equipment on a city project site for more than five days to use ultra-low sulfur fuel and “the most cost-effective retrofit technology in terms of particulate pollution reduction per dollar spent.” In addition, vehicles with engine models 1993 or older will be required to have retrofit equipment that reduces emissions. The requirements kick in Jan. 1, 2011.
Mayor Allan Fung had vetoed the ordinance after the council initially passed it in April. He told Providence Business News at the time that he was worried the rules would drive up the cost of city projects.
The council, in a 6-1 vote, disagreed.
“The arguments made by the administration are not relevant,” said Councilman Emilio Navarro, according to a news release. “The health of our citizens must be a priority.”
Clean Water Action, an environmental group that had championed the bill, hailed the override.
“The council exemplified its commitment to the health of Cranston residents,” Campaign Organizer Nicole Poepping said. “Their willingness to stand up against opposition and fight for good environmental policy is a lesson to us all.”