New York City's new law for apartment buildings sparks debate: 'The biggest concern that keeps me awake at night'

New York City has ignited discussion following the introduction of a law targeting pollution from residential buildings, highlighting concerns that go beyond traffic-related emissions. Although the city's congestion pricing program, launched on January 5, quickly improved urban living conditions, studies show that most pollution comes not from gridlock but from buildings themselves, according to Inside Climate News.

In 2019, the City Council enacted Local Law 97 under the Climate Mobilization Act, mandating that buildings limit their carbon emissions or incur fines. The legislation provides staggered compliance periods, with the first phase running from 2024 to 2029.

One example of successful compliance is the International Tailoring Company Building, a co-op at Fourth Avenue and 12th Street in the East Village. President Eric Einstein explained that through a combination of refinancing, rebates, and fund adjustments, the $9 million cost of upgrades was managed. The building is now largely decarbonized, and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has used it as a model project. Among other benefits, new heat pumps allow residents to control temperatures in their individual apartments.

Not all building managers share this smooth experience. In Queens, co-op leaders Bob Friedrich and Warren Schreiber have expressed concerns about the financial strain of compliance. Schreiber emphasized that the law could disproportionately impact seniors and single parents living on fixed incomes, calling it "the first issue that absolutely keeps me up at night."

Both co-op presidents were part of a 2022 lawsuit attempting to block Local Law 97, but a judge dismissed the case in 2023. The ruling clarified that fines for non-compliance would be modest, ranging from $23 to $31 per unit per month, rather than the millions initially feared. Still, total costs could remain significant.

Pete Sikora, director of climate and inequality at New York Communities for Change, expects the city to assist financially in helping buildings meet requirements, especially under Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's upcoming administration. Mamdani indicated during an October debate that he has a plan to support co-ops and condos in complying with the law, aiming to make adherence more manageable for residents.

Author: Natalie Monroe