Mayor de Blasio Puts Trump Org on Notice: Cut Greenhouse Emissions or Face Big Penalties

May 13, 2019

Under NYC’s Green New Deal, 8 Trump-owned properties in NYC will owe $2.1 million per year if he refuses to make climate change retrofits

NEW YORK—Mayor de Blasio today put President Trump on notice for the millions of dollars his properties will owe under new climate change legislation that requires large buildings in New York City to dramatically cut their greenhouse gas emissions. The law, a world-first, takes effect on May 17th, 2019 and is a central component of New York City’s Green New Deal. Our Green New Deal will create new jobs and build a fairer and healthier city for all New Yorkers, making the city carbon-neutral by 2050.

Across New York City, Trump owns at least 8 large buildings that do not meet 2030 emissions levels under the law. These dirty, inefficient buildings pump approximately 27,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases into our air each year, the equivalent of 5,800 cars. If Trump does not clean up these buildings, he will owe approximately $2.1 million in fines every year starting in 2030.

"Our message is loud and clear,” said Mayor de Blasio. “We’re tackling climate change head-on with NYC’s Green New Deal and are the first city in the world to require all big buildings to cut their emissions, with the goal of a carbon neutral city by 2050. President Trump – you’re on notice. Your polluting buildings are part of the problem. Cut your emissions or pay the price.”

The following Trump properties do not comply with new emission standards in New York City:

• Trump International Hotel & Tower, 1 Central Park West
  Estimated 2030 fine: $850,871 per year if no improvements made

• Trump Building, 40 Wall Street
  Estimated 2030 fine: $164,565 per year if no improvements made

• Trump World Tower, 845 United Nations Plaza No. 37-B
  Estimated 2030 fine: $212,121 per year if no improvements made

• Trump Tower, 721 Fifth Avenue
  Estimated 2030 fine: $469,848 per year if no improvements made

• Trump Park Avenue, 502 Park Avenue
  Estimated 2030 fine: $126,316 per year if no improvements made

• Trump Parc, 106 Central Park South
  Estimated 2030 fine: $40,360 per year if no improvements made

• Trump Parc East, 100 Central Park South
  Estimated 2030 fine: $26,629 per year if no improvements made

• Trump Palace, 200 East 69th Street
  Estimated 2030 fine: $239,315 per year if no improvements made

Reducing emissions from buildings is a key strategy for implementing New York City’s ambitious Green New Deal and upholding the highest goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Meeting these goals will require ending our reliance on polluting fossil fuels and deep reductions in greenhouse gases across our building, transportation, and waste sectors. By putting into action a bold vision that meets the challenges of climate change and inequality, New York City is demonstrating what the Green New Deal looks like in practice.

New York City’s Green New Deal attacks global warming on all fronts. It is comprised of $14 billion in new and committed investments, legislation and concrete action at the City level that will ensure a nearly 30 percent additional reduction in emissions by 2030. In addition to the building mandates legislation, it includes other initiatives to reduce emissions, a plan to switch city government operations to clean electricity, banning new inefficient glass buildings, and committing the city to carbon neutrality by 2050.

Over many decades of study, scientists have reached an overwhelming consensus that climate change is occurring now and is caused by human activities. Extreme weather events, which are growing in frequency and severity around the world, demonstrate the consequences of a warming planet and the risks associated with climate denial. In New York City, Hurricane Sandy resulted in the deaths of 44 New Yorkers and caused $19 billion in damages and lost economic activity. Projections show that a Sandy-like storm in the 2050s could cause $90 billion in damage and economic loss, nearly five times Sandy’s impact.

In New York City, buildings are responsible for nearly 70 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions. Cleaning up the city’s largest buildings—and its largest polluters—will promote energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy while creating new, good-paying jobs for New Yorkers. It will also discourage continued reliance on polluting fossil fuels, cut down on harmful air pollution, and save building owners money over time by lowering operating expenses.

After being passed by the New York City Council on April 18, 2019, Intro 1253 will become law on May 17, 2019.

Reducing emissions from buildings is a key strategy for achieving New York City’s ambitious climate change goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and upholding the highest goals of the Paris Agreement.

“There is no substitute for swift, bold, and aggressive federal action to fight climate change,” said Mark Chambers, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability. “America needs a Green New Deal and New York City is demonstrating to the world exactly what is possible.”

"Here in New York City, we recognize our climate crisis for what it is - an emergency - and also that what matters most is not words, but action," said Daniel Zarrilli, NYC's Chief Climate Policy Advisor and OneNYC Director. “With the actions of OneNYC 2050, we are putting New York City’s Green New Deal into practice. Taking on the fossil fuel industry, getting our emissions to net zero, building greater resiliency citywide, and creating an inclusive economy - these may not be easy, but they are necessary if we are to secure a livable future for the next generation. And by taking action now, we are building a strong and fair city for all New Yorkers."

“We’re proud to work with our partner agencies to meet the Mayor’s ambitious goal of making New York City carbon-neutral by 2050. A big part of this effort will be to discourage the use of poor-energy-performing building envelopes,” said Acting Buildings Commissioner Thomas Fariello, RA.

“The people in the White House still won’t acknowledge that climate change is a global crisis. Perhaps this NYC Green New Deal will help get their attention. Our planet is in peril and nothing short of immediate action will do. That’s why as Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee I quickly moved the Climate Action Now Act through the House last month, and it’s also why I’m an original cosponsor of the Green New Deal in Congress. I’m proud NYC is also taking a lead on climate change with their Green New Deal, which once again shows that while others are stuck in the past, we here in New York are always looking to the future,” said Representative Eliot Engel.

“Climate Change is real,” said Representative Jerrold Nadler. “We unfortunately see the effects of climate change right here in New York City, and we must do everything we can to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Unfortunately, we have a President along with a Republican controlled US Senate who are not taking this threat seriously, so while I will continue to fight for the Green New Deal in Washington, I am equally honored to support Mayor de Blasio’s legislation that requires New York City’s largest buildings to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 and at least 80 percent by 2050. This ambitious law, a world-first law will greatly reduce emissions and our reliance on fossil fuels.”

Representative Carolyn B. Maloney said, “In study after study, it’s clear that air quality in Manhattan is terrible. Much of that pollution comes from aging buildings in our area.  While the air quality has improved in many areas of the city, in most of my district it remains awful. Old boilers, and porous walls, windows and roofs that leak hot air in the winter and cold air in the summer, make buildings the greatest source of New York’s climate changing emissions.  President Trump should be required to make the same improvements every other property owner is doing to make our city cleaner and more energy efficient.  He may even find that lower energy costs will save him money over the long run.”

"I am an original co-sponsor of the critical Green New Deal legislation because I, along with the people of New York’s 9th Congressional District demand that our country addresses climate justice. Climate change is the existential threat of our generation, and must be treated as such. Through passing this bill, we can achieve fair and just net-zero greenhouse gas emissions policies benefitting all communities and workers. The Green New Deal also creates millions of good, high-wage jobs and ensures prosperity and economic security for all. I am proud to support a bill that promotes justice, equity and protection for our most vulnerable communities when addressing climate change,” said Representative Yvette D. Clarke.

“Climate change is real and the effects are evident today in communities around the nation and the world,” said Representative Adriano Espaillat. “President Trump turned back years of progress in our efforts to protect the environment when he rejected the Paris Agreement, and even more troubling is a number of Trump properties pose an existential threat and harm to our environment. I commend NYC Mayor de Blasio for efforts to honor our city’s commitment to protecting the environment and for holding Trump accountable.”

“Solving our current climate crisis will require leadership and bold ideas. New York City is providing both with its Green New Deal,” said Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

State Senator Robert Jackson said, “I’m glad to see New York City taking steps within their purview of municipal government to address the risks that climate crisis poses for all of us. Together with state-level action like the Climate and Community Protection Act, these efforts will help ensure that we address climate change in ways that force changes from the biggest polluters and ensure that racial and economic justice are built into our transition away from a fossil fuel-based economy.”

“Donald Trump is wreaking havoc on our planet, from Washington D.C. to New York City. This bold initiative from Mayor de Blasio and the City Council will deliver a clear ultimatum to our climate denier in chief: cut your emissions or pay the price. Washington won’t solve our climate crisis, so New York must take action, including against the Trump International Hotel in my Senate district. I’m grateful to Mayor de Blasio and the New York City Council for their leadership in regulating building emissions and I’ll continue to work with my colleagues in Albany to fight for climate justice,” said State Senator Brad Hoylman.

“There’s no debate, climate change is happening and large buildings are major polluters. Intro 1253 makes it clear that our city will lead the nation in climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our largest buildings, undeniably having a positive impact on the health of all New Yorkers,” said Assemblymember David I. Weprin. “I applaud the City Council and the Mayor for passing Intro 1253 and taking initiative to reduce carbon emissions which is essential for our planets survival and our city’s economic survival.”

“ Climate change is a crisis with consequences affecting all New Yorkers, and it is critical that we act now to reduce carbon emissions and preserve our environment for future generations,” said Assemblymember Aravella Simotas. “The nationwide increase in extreme weather events is alarming and undeniably a call to action. We must act in accordance with our findings regarding the environmental impact of large buildings, which are responsible for nearly 70 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions, to reduce our continued reliance on harmful pollutants. All buildings have to meet the standard we set and no one should be exempt from this provision because we all have a responsibility to our environment. I am proud to support NYC Green New Deal to safeguard our city’s natural resources. On a state level, I will continue to fight for legislation that expands the use of sustainable alternatives.

“Every day our air quality is drastically getting worse and health hazards continues to rise yet our federal administration is continuously rolling back environmental protections. It’s vital that we take substantive action here in New York City and NYC’s Green New Deal is the answer,” said Assemblymember Latrice Walker.

“The rest of the country looks to New York City to lead—especially on topics as dire as combating climate change,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer.

“New York City must fill the leadership void left by the Trump administration in the fight against climate change,” said Council Member Costa Constantinides, Chair of the Committee on Environmental Protection. “That’s why the City Council enacted the Climate Mobilization Act, which is a down payment on a brighter, greener, safer future. We must ensure the small share of buildings, such as Trump Tower, are held accountable to shrink their disproportionately large carbon footprint before it’s too late.”

"America's progressive cities have been left to fend for themselves and to lead when it comes to implementing policies combating climate change," said Council Member Ben Kallos. "New York City's Green New Deal is the exact kind of legislation the rest of the country, beginning with the federal government should be working to replicate. This is not the time for climate change deniers to spew their theories and attack this forward-thinking package of legislation. Thank you, Mayor De Blasio, for his commitment to these new laws which will push New York City in the right direction on climate change despite whatever the federal government is doing."

"Rising to the challenge of climate change requires bold leadership and demanding change from those in power," said Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party. "That's what NYC's green new deal does. We are proud that NYC is leading this fight.  It's time to bring the Green New Deal to cities and states across the country."

“UNITE HERE Local 100 stands in support with Mayor de Blasio on calling out President Trump to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in his properties. This Green New Deal represents more good-paying jobs for New Yorkers. Now is the time to take action to secure a healthier and more sustainable future for New York City’s workforce,” said Secretary Treasurer Jose Maldonado of UNITE HERE Local 100.

“Trump Tower use more energy per square foot  than 90% of large buildings in New York City, making it one of the most wasteful and polluting buildings in the city.  For years, the Climate Works for All coalition has advocated for bold action on NYC’s biggest polluters. We applaud Mayor Bill de Blasio for advancing Intro 1253 mandating that owners of New York’s largest buildings do their part,” said Maritza Silva-Farrell, Executive Director of ALIGN. “This unprecedented legislation sets the standard for the nation while moving thousands of more New Yorkers into the green jobs economy. With the fallout of our climate crisis growing with each year, and most of all for front-line communities and low-income New Yorkers, the time to act is now. This is a critical step to building a sustainable, just future for our city and the world.”