December 19, 2023

New York City, NY: Today marks a significant milestone in New York City's environmental and employment landscape, with the publication of the final version of the city’s second major rule package for the implementation of Local Law 97 of 2019. 

This groundbreaking carbon emissions law, which sets limits on greenhouse gases from the city’s largest buildings, is the cornerstone of the city’s plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. These limits, effective from January 1, 2024, represent a transformative step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, will require thousands of skilled workers to retrofit existing buildings for compliance purposes.

In light of these new regulations, energy leaders from the Clean Energy Jobs Coalition voiced their perspectives, highlighting the dual impact on environmental sustainability and job creation.

“Just as we once transitioned from gas lights to electric streetlights in New York City, a shift that began in the 1940s and finished in the 1970s, the Plumbers and Pipefitters were integral to that modernization. Today, as we embrace Local Law 97, we, the plumbing and pipefitting industry, stand ready to lead the charge in New York's energy transformation once again,”said John J. Murphy, International Representative, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters.

New York City’s new rules for Local Law 97 not only represents a significant stride toward a zero-emissions energy sector by 2050, but also promises to create numerous clean energy jobs, boost technological innovation, and bring us closer to a sustainable future without leaving skilled trades behind. 

“Local Law 97 opens a green energy pipeline for a just transition, presenting a unique opportunity to pioneer innovative solutions like clean hydrogen and thermal energy systems,” said Gregory Lancette, President, New York State Pipe Trades. “To ensure our workforce is prepared to decarbonize buildings, New York must increase investments in training and education to achieve a just and smooth transition to a clean energy future,” concluded Lancette.

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Members of the Clean Energy Jobs Coalition-NY are ready to contribute their expertise to the implementation of Local Law 97 to achieve shared principles in the New York Climate Act and COP28.