
NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City announced a pilot program to replace the generators on food carts with a cleaner alternative.
New rechargeable electric batteries now fuel the generators for 10 carts in Flushing Meadows Corona Park instead of gas.
The city says the batteries help make the carts less noisy and won't pollute like the current generators.
It's part of a six-month pilot program.
Officials say if the more than 20,000 food carts across the city all switched to electric generators, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 120,000 metric tons per year -- the equivalent of taking 30,000 carts off the streets.
"Street vendors define New York City, and clean-powered carts will define the green future we build together," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. "The rechargeable electric batteries we're piloting will be quieter and safer for our environment. Every New Yorker and every business in every neighborhood has a part to play in our green transition, and we're so excited for Flushing Meadows Park to lead the way."
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