2022

L.L. 2022/002

Enactment date: 1/9/2022

Int. No. 51-A

By Council Members Perkins, Cornegy and Kallos

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the creation of a demonstration program for geothermal exchange systems

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

Section 1. Legislative findings and intent. The Council finds that the use of geothermal exchange systems in New York City would result in reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, lessen energy demand, and improve the health and well-being of New York City residents. A geothermal exchange system, as described in this local law, exchanges heat between the earth and two or more buildings for the purpose of providing heating, cooling and hot water. In 2019, the New York State Legislature enacted the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) Chapter 106 of the laws of 2019, finding that climate change was a matter of significant concern across the State, and setting benchmarks towards a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions across New York State from all anthropogenic sources 100% over 1990 levels by the year 2050. In New York City, Local Law 97 for the year 2019 provides that there shall be, at minimum, a 40 percent reduction in citywide emissions by 2030, and an 80 percent reduction in citywide emissions by 2050.

The Council finds that the use of geothermal exchange systems in New York City would further the goals of the CLCPA and Local Law 97. The use of geothermal exchange systems would help combat global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To the extent that reliance on energy from greenhouse gases is lessened, the use of geothermal exchange systems can contribute to fewer air emissions and air quality related respiratory diseases. Geothermal exchange systems will similarly help mitigate against the effects of climate change that have already begun to affect the City, as evidenced by the increased frequency of life- and property-threatening weather events. Therefore, the Council finds that it is in the best interests of the health and well-being of New York City residents to authorize the creation of a demonstration program for geothermal exchange systems.

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[Consolidated provisions are not included in this Appendix A]

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§ 3. This local law takes effect 180 days after it becomes law.