Earlier this month, Councilman James Gennaro watched as Mayor Eric Adams signed his historic legislation, which will phase out the use of fuel oil grade no. 4 by 2027.
His bill, Intro 470-A, was passed last month. It will improve air quality and public health by reducing emissions of particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide. The city expects the legislation to help prevent premature deaths, respiratory and cardiac hospitalizations, and asthma emergency room visits.
“With this bill, the city will accelerate the phase-out and end forever the use of fuel oil no. 4, which is the most polluting oil still being burned in our city,” Gennaro said. This expedited phase-out will prevent the emission of thousands of tons of noxious air pollutants. This law will dramatically improve [air quality] in our city — especially around hundreds of New York City public schools — and increase respiratory health and save lives.”
