New York City to Cut Greenhouse Gases 30% by 2030

The Climate Protection Act is intended to strengthen PlaNYC 2030, Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan to green New York, by putting the force of law behind its goal to reduce the city’s emission of greenhouse gases.

Emitted by the burning of coal, oil and gas, greenhouse gases trap the Sun's heat close to the Earth, raising the planetary temperature.

New York is by no means the largest city in the world, just roughly half the size of Shanghai with its 15.4 million people. But the effect of 8.1 million New Yorkers cutting their greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent over the next 23 years could help keep global emissions levels manageable.

The bill establishes benchmarks that the city must reach as it curbs its emissions, including a 30 percent reduction in emissions made by city operations by 2017 and a 30 percent reduction in emissions citywide by 2030.

Cutting the city's greenhouse gases will touch the lives of all New Yorkers. (Photo courtesy FreeFoto.com)

The Climate Protection Act is an important part of the City Council's effort to guarantee that New York City remains green, clean and sustainable in the face of its aging infrastructure and growing population, the Council said in a statement today.

"If we don’t make difficult decisions now, we’re going to face even tougher choices down the road," said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.

"The Climate Protection Act is a clear, forward-thinking plan for reducing New York City’s greenhouse gas emissions, helping to make sure our city stays on the right track toward responsible and sustainable environmental policy," she said.

"In a time where environmental concern is at a peak and the words global warming are rapidly earning increased attention, people are joining the movement to improve energy consumption and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Environmental Protection Committee Chair James Gennaro, prime sponsor of the measure.

"The landmark New York City Climate Protection Act will not only reduce carbon dioxide emissions in our city, it will also foster awareness of climate-change issues and encourage people to become part of this movement to protect our environment," he said.

The emissions reduction this legislation requires will be achieved "through applicable policies, programs and actions included in PlaNYC 2030 and elsewhere," said Gennaro.

The bill requires annual emission inventories, analyses and reports, as well as public education and outreach programs.

The designated office or agency in charge will annually complete and post on its website an inventory and analysis of citywide emissions, measured in CO2 equivalent, and it will calculate the percentage change in citywide and city government emissions each year.

The first report on such emissions is due September 17, 2008 and every subsequent September 17 thereafter. If the office or agency determines that the required reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is not feasible, it must make recommendations to achieve the legislation's targets.

"Education and outreach are essential to safeguarding the environment and ensuring that future Administrations will be required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Gennaro said. "It is essential that we teach our children and other members of our population how to guard the environment in which they live, as well as to protect their health."

Spreading awareness will encourage private entities to make greenhouse gas emissions reduction efforts. The legislation calls for the creation and implementation of voluntary global warming emissions reduction programs to encourage private entities operating within New York City to commit to reducing their own greenhouse gas emissions.

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2007. All rights reserved.