Monday, January 8, 2018

MAYOR DE BLASIO SIGNS LEGISLATION PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING


  Today Mayor Bill de Blasio signed seven pieces of legislation into law aimed at making New York City greener and creating even more affordable housing. Intro. 54-A requires DOT to study the feasibility of using alternative fuels for the City’s ferries, Intro. 880-A requires a review of the use of biodiesel for school buses, Intro. 1465-A expedites the phasing out of higher grade oil in city power plants, Intro. 1629-A requires periodic recommendations on energy efficiency requirements for certain buildings,  Intro. 1632-A relates to energy efficiency scores, Intro.1036-A relates to a census on vacant properties, and Intro.1039-A requires HPD to provide an aggregate annual report on vacant sites under its jurisdiction.

“New Yorkers deserve to live in a city dedicated to sustainability and affordability for all,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Today’s legislation re-affirms our commitment to a greener New York and, by shining a light on vacant land in our city, will help us meet our ambitious goal of building 300,000 affordable homes – enough to house the entire population of Boston. I want to thank the Council for bringing this legislation into fruition.”

“Our City has been a leader in green energy, and energy efficiency and sustainability will be of great importance as we continue to tackle the environmental issues of the twenty-first century. Today’s legislation is just one example of our dedication to making a greener New York a reality,” said Speaker Corey Johnson. “I thank Mayor De Blasio for his partnership in creating a more sustainable city, and the New York City Council is committed to ensuring that our city continues to set an example by leading in clean, efficient, and affordable energy.”

“Under Housing New York, we are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to produce affordable housing at unprecedented levels," said NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer. “As HPD continues to move aggressively through its dwindling inventory of vacant land, developing thousands of affordable homes, and issuing a record number of RFPs, this new legislation reflects our commitment to greater reporting and transparency. I want to thank Council Members Rodriguez and Williams and the many agencies and advocacy groups who partnered with us to find new ways to help unlock more opportunities to develop vacant and underutilized land.”

"For several years, DCAS has been leading efforts to transition the city truck fleet to biodiesel" saidDCAS Commissioner Lisette Camilo. "DCAS looks forward to partnering with DOE, bus operators and fuel suppliers on ways to make the same changes with school busses."

“The work to create a sustainable and fair city requires us to reconsider and reimagine the ways in which we use energy – especially from our city’s one million buildings,” said Mark Chambers, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability. “Today’s bill signing illustrates how we are working together to creatively solve for one of the most complex challenges of our time so we can continue to deliver for our city and our planet.”

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