Having witnessed firsthand the struggles of real estate developers in my community, it is evident that New York City’s current environmental regulations are pushing property owners to their financial limits. These well-intentioned laws are inadvertently hampering our local real estate industry, causing severe repercussions for housing availability, jobs, and overall economic health.

While the push for a more sustainable future is commendable and necessary, regulations such as the endless Local Laws being rolled out place an overwhelming burden on property owners and managers who are already navigating a challenging economic landscape. Their intention to reduce emissions and combat climate change is noble, but without considering the practicality, economic impact, and financial burden, these laws could cause more harm than good.

A report by New York City’s own Independent Budget Office warned that property compliance costs could reach as high as $20 billion citywide. These costs inevitably lead to higher rents and reduced funds for property maintenance, jeopardizing tenants and property values alike.

Who is impacted?

New York City’s property owners, landlords, building managers, and supers are being overwhelmed by a relentless flood of Local Laws—each adding new tests, new fines, and new responsibilities. From composting compliance to constant benchmarking and repeated building tests for things they don't even have (like gas piping in all-electric buildings), it’s become impossible to keep up. These policies are not just frustrating—they’re expensive, time-consuming, and often make no practical sense. Meanwhile, those responsible for implementing them had no say in how they were written.

What is at stake?

If this continues unchecked, housing costs will rise, small landlords will sell or walk away, and the very fabric of NYC’s rental ecosystem will unravel. Why should a landlord be fined with LL85 because tenants don’t sort their compost? Why must non-gas buildings be re-tested for LL152 every four years for gas? Why is LL84 benchmarking required annually, at hundreds of dollars per building? Why do rent-regulated buildings accrue annual LL88 violation fees if LL97 testing cannot be filed this year, which in turn means LL88 cannot be filed? This is bureaucracy on autopilot. Without real oversight and scrutiny now, these burdens will become permanent, expensive fixtures of operating in NYC. And by the time people question it—it’ll be too late.

Why is now the time to act?

The moment to demand a voice is right now. As these laws go into effect and enforcement ramps up, landlords and property managers are demanding their seat at the table. We are not anti-environment or anti-safety—we are pro-common sense. We know our buildings better than any agency. It’s time for the city to engage with the people on the front lines of housing before another round of Local Laws drops without input, budget, or logic. Sign the petition and help bring real-world insight back into NYC lawmaking.

What we propose:  

We propose an urgent re-evaluation of these environmental mandates. We need realistic timelines that provide property owners with achievable goals, and above all, common sense in application & implementation. Policies must be balanced to reflect both our environmental objectives and the economic realities facing the property sector. Collaboration with stakeholders in drafting more equitable solutions is vital to ensuring sustainability does not come at such a prohibitive cost.

Furthermore, financial incentives and support should accompany any obligatory environmental upgrades, allowing property owners to implement necessary changes without risking bankruptcy or massive rent hikes. Many property owners already invest in eco-friendly practices; providing them with the necessary tools and financial backing will create a more cooperative and effective pathway to sustainability.

What you can do:   

Join us in urging New York City policymakers to reform these punitive & extreme environmental laws. Together, let’s advocate for a system that harmonizes environmental responsibility with economic viability, ensuring a thriving, sustainable city for all.

Your signature can help make a difference! 

If you are thinking, "we can't fight City Hall", I'd like to tell you we have done this before and we CAN fight City Hall! Despite all the naysayers, we have succeeded in achieving impressive results with our campaign just 3 years ago against the NYC Building Department. All it took was several hundred signatures like yours to make our voices heard loud & clear, and we were taken very seriously! 

So please sign our petition to demand change and support balanced environmental reforms that work for everyone! And for maximum exposure, please share a link with your email & social media networks to help this go viral and affect massive change.

Thank you!