L.L. 2008/038

Enactment date: 9/3/2008

Int. No. 264-A

By Council Members Brewer, Gonzalez, Koppell, Mark-Viverito, Martinez, Recchia Jr., Vallone Jr., Weprin, Garodnick, McMahon, Nelson, Lappin, Gioia, Liu, Monserrate, Mendez, Vacca, White Jr., Avella, Gennaro and Sears

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the use of air conditioning systems.

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

Section 1. Legislative findings and intent. The Council finds that it is the public policy of the City of New York to conserve energy, reduce peak power demands during hot weather periods and limit environmental pollution and local contributions to global warming. Prohibiting commercial establishments from leaving their doors ajar while air conditioners or central cooling systems are on is a sensible energy conservation measure. According to the Long Island Power Authority, the practice of leaving open doors while air conditioners or central cooling systems are operating can increase the amount of electricity used by establishments by 20 to 25 percent. The Council finds that such practices increase power plant related pollution and place heightened energy demands on local utilities during hot summer months, when excessive energy consumption can lead to power shortages.

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[Consolidated provisions are not included in this Appendix A]

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§ 3. This local law shall take effect ninety days after enactment, except that the commissioner of consumer affairs shall take such actions as are necessary for its implementation, including the promulgation of rules, prior to such effective date.