Client Alert
Quartet of New Laws Proposed to Promote Green Buildings in New York City
May 05, 2009
David J. Freeman, Jesse Hiney, Ali Duchesne and Adam Feimer
On Earth Day, April 22, 2009, four important pieces of green buildings legislation were introduced on behalf of the Bloomberg Administration in the New York City Council. The goal of these bills, a component of Mayor Bloombergs PlaNYC goal of reducing citywide carbon emissions by 30% by the year 2030, is to reduce the environmental impact of New Yorks buildings, which are estimated to account for 80% of the greenhouse gases emitted in New York City. However, the laws would also impose significant responsibilities and costs on building owners.
These proposals are at the forefront of green buildings legislation being considered in other cities and states around the country. Their provisions are likely to be reviewed and considered for enactment by other jurisdictions hoping to achieve the same goal as New York City.