The controversy surrounding New York City’s congestion pricing program — which went into effect on January 5 and almost instantly improved quality of life — might imply that traffic was its primary source of pollution.
However, even lifelong residents might be surprised to learn that more than two-thirds of New York City’s pollution is wholly unrelated to gridlock, instead generated primarily by residential buildings, as Inside Climate News noted.
In 2019, as part of the Climate Mobilization Act, the New York City Council passed Local Law 97, requiring buildings to cap pollution or face fines. Lawmakers built in three timeframes for incremental compliance, with the first spanning 2024 to 2029…