With Local Law 154, NYC will become the largest city in the world to phase fossil fuels out of new construction.
In December 2021, the New York City Council passed legislation to phase fossil fuels out of new construction starting in 2024.
This law means new buildings, with few exceptions, will be all-electric and emit less carbon, all while improving local air quality and making occupants more comfortable.
We helped shape the law, including as lead witness testifying at the City Council hearing in November 2021. Read our written testimony to see how our recommendations were incorporated into the final law. For a closer look at the law and its implementation timeline, read our summary. And make sure to read our Grid Ready report to see how NYC’s grid can support this large-scale transformation to all-electric buildings.
What does Local Law 154 do?
- Sets CO2 limits that effectively prohibit fossil fuel systems in new buildings and gut renovations
- Phases in requirements starting with lower-rise buildings in 2024 and taller buildings in mid-2027
- Allows more time for affordable housing and hot water systems in buildings other than one- and two-family homes
- Includes exceptions where required for select uses like manufacturing, hospitals and restaurants
Implementation timeline
Requirements phase in over five and a half years, allowing time for the market to ramp up with more products, training and design strategies.
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Greening the grid
Making New York’s electric grid less reliant on fossil fuels will require changes to electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
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Download the Local Law 154 summary
Click here for a breakdown of the law’s highlights and impact.