Hundreds attend NYC buildings hearing about softened enforcement for major climate law
Hundreds virtually attended a Department of Buildings hearing on Tuesday to weigh in on the fate of Local Law 97, which requires New York City’s biggest carbon polluters — buildings over 25,000 square feet — to reduce their emissions by 40% by the end of the decade and 80% by 2050.around enforcement of Local Law 97. The law is due to take effect Jan. 1, at which point buildings must lower their emissions.
“I don't see it as a two-year delay, but as a way to lock in property owners' progress,” said Councilmember James Gennaro, who represents parts of Queens and chairs the Council’s Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency and Waterfronts. “We want your carbon, not your money.” “Somehow they're trying to create an entirely new system that fines don't help anybody,” Beauchamp said. “Well, they kind of do, because that's what forces building owners who might otherwise not follow the law, might otherwise not reduce their emissions to finally start doing it.”
Another criticism is the plan’s proposed use of Renewable Energy Credits, or RECs — the loophole some environmental groups are calling out. Instead of lowering carbon emissions, a landlord can opt to buy enough credits to offset most of their pollution on paper. There are currently no limits for RECs, except for building owners that choose to formally delay and submit a decarbonization plan.
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