NYC Approves Carbon Neutrality Plan

The New York City council passed a portion of Mayor Eric Adams’ proposed ‘City of Yes’ zoning reform plan, the City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality (COYCN) zoning text amendment, announces Peter Aronson in an article for the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV).

“The change will remove hurdles so the city can more easily make green investments for and changes to its infrastructure that will reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from buildings and the transportation sector, the state’s two leading sources,” the article states. The city’s Local Law 97 calls for buildings over 25,000 square feet to comply with new efficiency standards by 2024, while state law requires an 85 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The NYLCV, which supports the amendment, says the changes will pave the way to more rooftop and parking lot solar panels and more accessible EV charging stations, among other changes.

The plan also streamlines the approval process for efficiency retrofits, “Expands bicycle and e-mobility storage and charging uses by creating a new commercial use for public bicycle and e-mobility parking,” and addresses waste and stormwater, expanding the use of permeable pavement and clarifying regulations around composting and recycling.