Local Law 97 Protected, NY Court of Appeals Decision

Today, the New York State Court of Appeals issued its decision stating that the State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act does not preempt Local Law 97 or other local climate laws.

The following statement is attributed to Rachel Spector, Deputy Managing Attorney of the Northeast Office at Earthjustice:

“Today’s decision from the New York Court of Appeals confirms that, in light of the ‘sense of urgency’ expressed by New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, local laws can play a critical role alongside statewide measures to combat and mitigate climate change. This ends the challenge to Local Law 97, New York City’s groundbreaking law to reduce climate emissions from large buildings, and the City should continue to ensure that large buildings increase energy efficiency and reduce pollution in accordance with that law – creating jobs and improving air quality across the city while also combatting climate change.”