New York’s Local Law 97, which addresses emissions from large existing buildings, was groundbreaking when it passed. If fully implemented and enforced, the City will be a world leader in protecting local health and safety and global climate from the many harms of methane gas.
But powerful interests with deep pockets have the ear of City Hall and are asking to water down this crucial law. They’ve gotten the administration to release draft rules for Local Law 97 that weaken the law so much that many of the benefits for New Yorkers and the planet are in jeopardy.
To meet the emissions rules of Local Law 97, most buildings will need to move off methane gas. Going all-electric means getting off the methane gas that threatens deadly leaks, drives climate chaos, and causes asthma in children – including the gas stoves that cause 19% of childhood asthma cases in New York State. This is critical building electrification work.
But Mayor Adams proposed rules that include enforcement delays and loopholes that let building owners purchase their way out of as much as 50% of fossil fuel reductions. This is unacceptable.
SAFE Cities at Stand.earth is working with local partners like New York Communities for Change on electrifying NYC’s buildings. This includes a fully implemented and enforced Local Law 97 so people rather than profits are protected.
Will you send a message now to tell Mayor Adams that New York wants Local Law 97 fully implemented and enforced?
