New York City Takes a Tremendous Leap Forward in the Fight Against Climate Change
New York, N.Y. – The New York City Council today passed the Climate Mobilization Act, which includes various pieces of legislation that fight climate change. One of those measures, Int. No. 1253-C, will require most buildings over 25,000 square feet to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by implementing energy efficiency upgrades and taking other clean energy steps (many beginning in 2024).
Also passed was Int. No. 1252-A, which will establish a New York City commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program, allowing New York City building owners to access a valuable tool by which they can finance energy efficiency retrofits and other clean energy measures through an assessment placed on their property tax bills.
Both pieces of legislation will play an important role in the city achieving its 40 x ‘30 and 80 x ‘50 greenhouse gas reduction goals.
A statement follows from Donna De Costanzo, Director, Eastern Region, Climate and Clean Energy Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC):
“As the Trump administration escalates its assault on environmental protections, our cities and states are assuming the mantle of leadership. New York City is taking critical climate action with the passage of bold legislation that requires buildings to significantly curb their greenhouse gas emissions and also creates a finance tool to help these buildings bolster energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy. With buildings being the city’s biggest source of carbon pollution, these bills are essential to help meet the city’s climate goals and transition off dirty fossil fuels.”
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About the Natural Resources Defense Council
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.