Long Island will now have a fleet of 40 new alternative fuel taxicabs thanks to a grant secured by the Town of Hempstead through its membership in the Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition. This event marks history as it is the first and only alternative fuel taxi fleet on Long Island. The 40 new taxicabs were on display last Thursday during a press conference held in Mineola where Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, together with Councilwoman Angie Cullin and representatives from the Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition joined with Lawrence Blessinger Jr., vice president of All Island Taxi and affiliates Ollie's Taxi and Delux Taxi, to unveil the fleet.

"These 40 new cabs will operate on compressed natural gas and will travel across Nassau County," Murray explained. "The fact that taxicabs by their very nature are on the road constantly makes it especially important to pursue technology that will reduce emissions. We are thrilled that All Island Taxi has partnered with government to help keep the air we breathe cleaner."

The first natural gas taxicabs, new Ford Crown Victorias, will debut at All Island's Merrick location, as well as other sites across Long Island. The $367,000 grant secured by the town is sponsored by both the New York State and United States Departments of Transportation.

"We have made an enormous investment to protect the future of Nassau County's environment," Blessinger said. "I consider this a quality of life issue and it is very important to me personally because our families live and do business in Nassau County."

The supervisor noted that studies have shown that the fuel economy of the compressed natural gas and gasoline cabs was identical and that operating costs for CNG cabs were 25 percent less than gasoline powered cabs. She added, however, that's only part of the story.

"What's really exciting is the environmental benefits associated with natural gas, which, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, far exceed that of conventional gasoline," Murray said.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cites a host of ecological benefits associated with these vehicles. In general, natural gas vehicles emit 90 to 97 percent less carbon monoxide and 25 percent less carbon dioxide than traditional gasoline vehicles. Further emission data indicates a 35 to 60 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide and potential reductions in non-methane hydrocarbons of 50 to 75 percent. Finally, natural gas vehicles release fewer toxic and carcinogenic pollutants and little to no particulate matter is produced.

"Keeping the air we breathe cleaner will help mitigate respiratory problems, and future generations will be the greatest beneficiaries of measures like this," Cullin said, adding that she's thrilled to see these vehicles in her councilmatic district. "As a councilwoman and a local resident, I want to leave a clean air legacy for generations to come."

The Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition has received Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funding from the US Department of Transportation through the NYS Department of Transportation. All Island Taxi Company has received grant funding in excess of $9,000 per vehicle for the 40 Crown Victorias that are equipped to operate on compressed natural gas.

"It's important to have government support for environmentally progressive initiatives. It's exciting when various levels of government can work together to make our neighborhoods cleaner and healthier places to live," Murray said, adding that this measure complements other town efforts which will help protect the environment. "This partnership demonstrates that transportation needs can be met while maintaining a strong environmental commitment."