Jan. 14, 2009

In a continuing effort to make Westchester County Airport more environmentally friendly, the county today unveiled some of the 25 all-electric ground vehicles that are replacing motorized vehicles at the airport.

County Executive Andy Spano was joined by New York Power Authority President and CEO Richard M. Kessel and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Vice President Robert G. Callender Wednesday to demonstrate the new vehicles and their recharging stations.

“This is just another step in our program to make the airport and all our facilities more environmentally friendly in keeping with my policy to protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions to fight global warming,’’ said Spano. “Not only will these new electric vehicles reduce noise and air pollution, but they will save us about $200,000 a year in fuel costs.’’

 In 2004, Westchester’s Airport’s Environmental Management System was among only three airports nationwide to be certified to the ISO14001 standard by an independent auditor. This means that the day-to-day management of the county’s airport meets an international standard for good environmental practices. 

The county has already received delivery on nine of the 25 vehicles, which include baggage and aircraft tractors, water trucks and baggage belt loaders. The $2.47 million cost for the new vehicles was paid for with assistance from the New York State Department of Transportation and a Federal Aviation Administration grant designed to encourage airports to voluntarily reduce emissions. Seed money for consultation to help obtain the grant and support was given by NYSERDA and the NYPA.

“Westchester has been a valued partner in completing this project, which is another step in the state’s efforts toward reducing greenhouse gases and other emissions and enhancing energy security under Governor Paterson. Both are top priorities of the Governor to promote a clean energy economy,” said Kessel.                                                                     
          
Robert G. Callendar of NYSERDA, who also attended the event, said, “Today’s announcement reflects a successful partnership between NYSERDA, NYPA, and Westchester Airport officials in advancing Governor Paterson’s environmental and clean energy goals,” said Robert G. Callender, NYSERDA vice president for programs.

“By leveraging federal dollars with technical experts and resources, tremendous environmental benefits will be realized.”  

Westchester County is one of only nine airports nationwide to take advantage of the Federal Aviation Administration’s VALE program or Voluntary Airport Low Emissions program which is designed to encourage airports to reduce polluting emissions. 

The vehicles purchased by the airport include three Lektro aircraft tow tractors, nine Charlatte baggage tractors, five Charlatte baggage belt loaders, four stair trucks and four lavatory/water trucks. All 25 electric vehicles are powered by Deka industrial batteries and 13 advanced Minit-Charger fast charge stations.

Spano said that the latest vehicle purchase was part of a larger environmental management system at the airport, which strives to make sure that operations meet the highest environmental standards. He said the airport decided to purchase the new vehicles after its Environmental Management System determined that the gas and diesel-powered vehicles were the second largest contributors to air pollution there. “This new program is one of the many things we do to make sure we are good neighbors and good environmental steward,’’ said Spano.

A spokesman for the FAA, who did not attend the press conference, praised the county for its participation in the VALE program."Westchester County has demonstrated its commitment in helping improve the environment in the New York Metropolitan Area by its participation in the VALE program," said Pearlis Johnson, acting regional administrator of FAA's Eastern Region. "We would strongly encourage other eligible airports to join Westchester County in this innovative environmental program."