Secaucus Model for Solving Climate Change and Oil-wars. Govern based on Performance Standards

http://www.secaucusnj.org/web_content/acrobat/agendas/2014-06-24-Council-Reg-Secaucus.pdf

The following ordinance was read for public hearing: No. 2014-23

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF SECAUCUS, REGARDING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR GRANTING RIGHT-OF-WAY ACCESS FOR TRANSPORTATION INNOVATIONS

WHEREAS, returning communication infrastructure to a free market in 1982  resulted in vast innovation, better service at lower costs and millions of jobs; 

WHEREAS, privately funded freight railroads average over 400 ton-miles per  gallon efficiency; and 

WHEREAS, establishing performance standards based on economic work accomplished  per unit of energy consumed may allow free market solutions that repeat communication  infrastructure success in transportation infrastructure; and 

WHEREAS, the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment Study PB- 244854(1975) identified Automated Guideways and Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) networks  as a solution of the 1973 Oil Embargo and the PRT network at Morgantown, WV has  delivered 100 million oil-free, injury-free passenger-miles since starting service in  1975; 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, non-exclusive assess to City rights-of-way may be  granted to transportation systems providers meeting the following free market  principles: 

	(1) Privately funded construction; 
	(2) Privately operated without government subsidies; 
	(3) Exceed 120 passenger-miles per gallon, or equivalent efficiency;  and 
	(4) Exceed safety performance of transportation modes already  approved for use.

AND THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, regulation of free market innovations  shall be based on: 

	(1) System design, fabrication, installation, safety, insurance,  inspection practices consistent with the ASTM International,  Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices; 

	(2) Environmental approvals will be granted based on a ratio of energy  consumed per passenger-mile of the innovation versus transport  modes approved to operate in the rights-of-way; and 

	(3) All taxes and fees assessed on the transport systems providers,  passengers and cargo shall be limited to 5% of gross revenues and  paid to the aggregate rights-of-way holders by  transportation systems providers; and 

AND THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that any individual projects shall be  process and considered in accordance with all relevant municipal and state  regulations. 

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately after final passage and  publication in accordance with law. June 24, 2014

Mayor Gonnelli asked if anyone wished to be heard regarding the foregoing proposed  ordinance. There being no one requesting the floor, Councilwoman Pirro moved that the  public hearing be closed, seconded by Councilman Dehnert.

AYES: Jeffas, McKeever, Pirro, Clancy, Dehnert, Gonnelli

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Costantino Motion carried.

Councilwoman Pirro moved that the foregoing ordinance be finally adopted, seconded by  Councilman Dehnert.

AYES: Jeffas, McKeever, Pirro, Clancy, Dehnert, Gonnelli

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Costantino Motion carried.