NYC to Trump: Cut Greenhouse Emissions in in Your Buildings

New York, NY — New York City has put the Trump Organization on notice to dramatically cut their greenhouse gas emissions in their buildings.

Across New York City, Trump owns at least 8 large buildings that do not meet 2030 emissions levels under the law. These dirty, inefficient buildings pump approximately 27,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases into the air each year, the equivalent of 5,800 cars. If Trump does not clean up these buildings, he will owe approximately $2.1 million in fines every year starting in 2030. Legislation has passed the New York City Council on April 18, 2019. Intro 1253 will became a law on May 17, 2019.

“Our message is loud and clear,” said Mayor de Blasio. “We’re tackling climate change head-on with NYC’s Green New Deal and are the first city in the world to require all big buildings to cut their emissions, with the goal of a carbon neutral city by 2050. President Trump – you’re on notice. Your polluting buildings are part of the problem. Cut your emissions or pay the price.”

In New York City, buildings are responsible for nearly 70 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions. Cleaning up the city’s largest buildings—and its largest polluters—will promote energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy while creating new, good-paying jobs for New Yorkers. It will also discourage continued reliance on polluting fossil fuels, cut down on harmful air pollution, and save building owners money over time by lowering operating expenses. 

“America’s progressive cities have been left to fend for themselves and to lead when it comes to implementing policies combating climate change,” said Council Member Ben Kallos. “New York City’s Green New Deal is the exact kind of legislation the rest of the country, beginning with the federal government should be working to replicate.”