New York City – New Yorkers have even more reasons to celebrate Earth Day this year with the establishment of the Climate Mobilization Act. The law addresses the carbon footprint of the structures in the Big Apple and has a goal to cut down the city’s pollution down to 40% by 2030, and as much as 80% or more by 2050.
Lowering down the GHG or greenhouse gas emissions of these buildings is a crucial move by the city as the buildings here produces a staggering 70% of its total GHG emissions. The law wants to put a stop on energy waste by requiring buildings that are more than 25,000 square feet to lower their pollution to 40% by 2030.
The Climate Mobilization Act presents the following indispensable benefits:
Job opportunities
Upgrades to energy efficiency will need plenty of local workers to do hands-on tasks. Thus it will create thousands of local jobs for New Yorkers.
Better air quality
Consumption of energy will be lessened with better efficiency. Burning of foul-smelling fossil fuels from power plants nearby and building boilers will also decrease which means everyone will enjoy breathing cleaner air.
Lower energy costs
Structures that are efficient utilize lesser energy resulting in cheaper utility bills.
The legislation is an ambitious undertaking, and the Coalition for Energy Efficiency for All New York (EEFA NY) is looking forward for its passage. However, in order for New Yorkers to feel and enjoy its benefits, there must be a continuity in everyone’s efforts as there are some exemptions in the law.