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Today the New York City Council passed Intro 2317, legislation that will eliminate the use of fossil fuels in new buildings here in New York City. Mayor Bill de Blasio supports the bill and is expected to sign it into law before his term ends.

This is a massive win, as it is a critical first step in transitioning away from fossil fuels and the harm they do to our community and our planet. It has been a hard-fought campaign, and we would like to thank our fellow Gas Free NYC coalition leaders – New York Communities for Change, New York Public Interest Research Group, and Food and Water Watch – as well as the bill's sponsor, Councilmember Alicka Ampry-Samuel, her fellow councilmembers who supported the bill, and all of our members who joined us in this fight.

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Why Is This Such A Big Deal?
Seventy-one percent of New York City’s greenhouse gas emissions, the air pollution that causes climate change, come from buildings burning fossil fuels like natural gas. And studies ([link removed]) have found that air pollution from these buildings leads to nearly 2,000 premature deaths each year across New York State. Studies also show that both air pollution ([link removed]) and climate change ([link removed]) disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color, which is why transitioning away from fossil fuels is critical for environmental justice.

In addition to the outdoor air pollution, the use of natural gas for cooking produces extremely harmful indoor air pollution as well. Studies ([link removed]) have found that children living in homes with gas stoves are up to 42 percent more likely to develop a respiratory illness like asthma.

Under this new legislation, also known as Gas Free NYC, most new buildings under seven stories will be required to be all-electric beginning in December 2023 and those over seven stories beginning in July 2027. The bill will not impact existing buildings. It only requires new buildings in New York City to be all-electric. You can learn more here ([link removed]) , including other work we’re doing to ensure that the electricity powering these new buildings will come from renewable energy sources.

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