A federal judge on Friday stopped the City of New York's plan to force all yellow taxis to achieve higher fuel efficiency by 2012.
The plan, which is a centerpiece of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's efforts to make the Big Apple greener, was set to take effect on November 1. It called for every new taxi to have a minimum standard of at least 30 miles per gallon, a target now met by hybrid and clean diesel cars.
Judge Paul A. Crotty of the United States District Court, Southern District of New York ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, which include the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade (MTBOT).
Crotty granted a preliminary injunction, finding that the regulation of fuel emissions standards was a federal authority not belonging to the city. The decision stated that the plaintiffs "demonstrated a likelihood of success" in having the new rules thrown out.
The city said it was considering an appeal.
The MTBOT in its suit, also claimed that hybrid vehicles were unsafe for use as taxis.
"The decision is not a ruling against hybrids cabs, rather a ruling that archaic Washington regulations are applicable and therefore New York City, and all other cities, are prevented from choosing to create cleaner air and a healthier place to live," Mayor Bloomberg said in a statement.
