The New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, strongly supports the passage of Int. No. 1253C-2018, a commitment to achieve certain reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. New York City has an opportunity to pass a climate policy with the potential to cut carbon emissions, reduce pollution, and create middle class jobs. Int. No. 1253C-2018 will require buildings over 25,000 square feet to achieve certain reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In passing this legislation, New York City will take an innovative, effective step towards addressing both income inequality (creating family-sustaining careers) and fighting the climate crisis.

Currently, buildings are the leading cause of climate pollution in New York City, with approximately 71% of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) deriving from the source1. This historic legislation is the largest localized mandate in the world for capital improvements to reduce carbon emissions; it will generate an estimated 23,627 direct construction jobs created or supported through retrofitting, and an additional 16,995 indirect jobs2. Int. No. 1253C-2018 presents the opportunity to induce a marketplace, and generate demand for the quality training and work product of the unionized workforce.

Moving forward, the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, urges the City Council to focus on the implementation and enforcement of Int. No. 1253C-2018. It will be essential for the City to create a pathway to strong, achievable targets that incentivize well-paying jobs with strong workplace protections.

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