CRANSTON – The Cranston City Council Monday passed an ordinance that requires contractors working on city construction projects worth more than $2 million to use low-emissions equipment. Mayor Allan Fung, however, said Tuesday that he would likely veto the measure over concerns it would drive up the price of city construction projects.
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 would kick in Jan. 1, 2011.
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For city contracts receiving state or federal dollars, the city will ask officials to factor in the cost of retrofitting contractor equipment into the project’s overall budget. The city will then reimburse contractors for the cost of retrofits.
The ordinance also requires most city construction vehicles to meet new emissions standards.
“Reducing diesel pollution is a critical step in protecting the public health of our residents,” Councilman Terry Livingston said in a statement. “The council, the administration and Clean Water Action have all worked to put together an ordinance that works for Cranston, and I am proud to have been a part of the process.”
Fung told Providence Business News he would likely veto the measure because the retrofits would lead to higher costs for contractors and by extension city construction projects. The ordinance would also shorten the operating lives of city equipment, he said.
“From a standpoint of doing business, you are going to add significant costs,” Fung said.
The Republican mayor added that he doubted the state or federal government would provide additional money to pay for contractors to outfit their equipment with emissions-reduction technology.
