NYC Environmental Issues
Update on New York City and New York State Lead-Based Paint Laws
Numerous changes and clarifications to New York City (NYC) and New York State lead-based paint (LBP) laws for residential properties are coming into effect in 2024 and 2025. These provisions relate to a statewide rental registry for residences constructed before 1980, testing common areas in NYC buildings, and enhanced turnover remediation requirements in NYC. As…
NYC Local Law 97 Remains In Effect After Appellate Decision In Glen Oaks Case
On May 16, 2024, the New York Appellate Division, First Department, reversed in part the trial court decision that dismissed the challenge to New York City’s building emissions law, Local Law 97. The case is Glen Oaks Village Owner, Inc., et al. v. City of New York, et al. (App. Div. No. 2024-00134, Sup. Ct….
2023 Update on Federal and New York City Lead-Based Paint Laws
This year has seen notable changes and clarifications to Federal and New York City lead-based paint standards for residential properties. These provisions relate to lead paint investigations, testing, remediation, and penalties that may impact compliance planning for building owners and managers. Because these legal changes were adopted after SPR’s May 4, 2023 webinar on the…
New York Supreme Court Dismisses Challenge to Local Law 97
On October 30, 2023, the New York Supreme Court, New York County dismissed a significant legal challenge to New York City’s building emissions law, Local Law 97 of 2019. The decision provides clarity to the NYC real estate community that Local Law 97 is valid, enforceable, and constitutional. The law’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caps…
New Proposed Local Law 97 Regulations Include Penalty Mitigation, Electrification, and Enforcement Provisions
On September 12, 2023, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) issued proposed regulations to implement Local Law 97 of 2019 (LL97). LL97 requires most large buildings in NYC to meet increasingly stringent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions limits starting in 2024. The proposed regulations establish penalty mitigation pathways, create incentives for electrification, and clarify…
Rooftop Solar Systems Required by NYC Local Laws May Qualify for IRA’s Renewable Energy Tax Credits
New York City local law requires new roofs (with some exceptions) to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity generating and/or green roof system. While these requirements became effective in 2019, given the pace of construction in New York City, many of the roofs covered by the law have only recently been, or will soon be,…