NYC Passes New Regulation
New York City pizzerias are facing potential closure after a recently approved regulation requiring wood-fired and coal-fired stoves to reduce carbon emissions by 75%. The mandate, set to take effect on April 27th, has sparked concerns among pizzeria owners and other small businesses, who fear the financial burden of compliance could force them to shut down.
The rule, originally proposed in June, was developed by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in collaboration with environmental groups and restaurateurs. Its aim is to improve air quality in neighborhoods with poor air quality, as wood- and coal-fired stoves are considered one of the biggest contributors to harmful pollutants.
According to a DEP spokesperson, the regulation was implemented with the health of New Yorkers in mind. They stated that “all New Yorkers deserve to breathe healthy air” and that the rule was a product of years of review. However, critics argue that it is an overreach and a “sad day” for the city’s iconic pizzerias.
Pizzeria owner and Brooklyn resident Paul Giannone, also known as Paulie Gee, expressed his concerns about the impact of the regulation on small businesses. He revealed that he had already spent $20,000 on emission-control air filters in anticipation of the rule, after receiving a noise complaint from his neighbor. The cost of installing and regularly inspecting the filters, Giannone argues, could be too much for struggling businesses to bear.
Giannone’s concerns are shared by many other pizzeria owners in the city. A Jewish bakery reportedly spent over $600,000 on new air filtration systems in preparation for the rule, and another iconic pizzeria, John’s of Bleecker Street, spent over $100,000 on a smoke reduction system. While some businesses may have the financial means to comply, others, particularly those that are already struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, may not be as lucky.
DEP received 155 comments regarding the regulation when it was first proposed last year. While some argued that it would have a minimal impact on pollution and create an unnecessary burden on small businesses, others supported the move, citing the need to reduce harmful emissions. The city council, which directed the DEP to develop the rule, ultimately approved it.
According to the New York Post, the rule is expected to affect around 130 businesses. Those who are unable to meet the emission requirements will be required to submit an assessment and identify ways to reduce emissions by at least 25%. However, critics argue that this could still be a significant financial burden, especially for smaller businesses.
For now, it remains to be seen how the regulation will be enforced and whether it will ultimately lead to the closure of many iconic New York City pizzerias. While some may argue that the rule is necessary for the greater good of the community, others believe that it could have a devastating impact on small businesses already struggling to survive. As the April 27th deadline approaches, pizzeria owners and New Yorkers who love the city’s famous pizza will be watching closely.