Demand city-wide green infrastructure incentives and regulations

Newtown Creek green infrastructure

We’re at a pivotal moment for green infrastructure. NYC is currently not on track to meet its modest goal to develop 8,000 impervious acres by 2030. The City Council recently held a hearing on new green roof legislation. Join our petition to support this legislation and ensure it creates opportunity, requirements and incentives for green roofs.

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Read the sample letter (below) and add your own thoughts on why this is important to you. Personalized messages have a greater impact!

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Dear [Decision Maker],

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Multiple City Council members have introduced legislation that will require green roofs on certain public and private buildings. Many of the bills would require either green infrastructure, solar panels, or wind turbines on certain properties. I support new green roof requirements, but any such requirement must be accompanied by a robust set of incentives in order to encourage green roofs without creating a burden on small property owners. Without incentives, legislative requirements likely will only accomplish solar and wind adoption due to existing financial incentives that support those industries. NYC's sewer system will be left overburdened and our waterways contaminated.

As sea levels rise and storm frequency and intensity increase, polluted waterways will flood into our streets and buildings, presenting severe health risks and property damage. Green roofs offer an array of solutions to sewage contamination, while providing a layer of protection that has been stripped away by overdevelopment. The proposed legislation will enable critical green infrastructure, so long as the incentive programs are in place to support them.

Green roofs provide many benefits beyond stormwater management. Vegetated rooftops can help property owners save on energy costs, provide an extra layer of insulation, and double the lifespan of the roof, saving money for property owners over time. Green roofs also mitigate urban heat island effect, filter the air, and sequester carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Their benefits are particularly important in environmental justice communities that bear a disproportionate burden of noxious facilities, poor air quality, and lack access to environmental amenities, such as green spaces. And when local communities are included as stakeholder in its design and development, green infrastructure can also mean green jobs and community cohesion.

These incentives are critical because NYC has proven that it cannot meet its green roof goals without them. Under the combined sewer overflow consent order, the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation has mandated that NYC green 8,000 of the city's 150,000 impervious acres by 2030. Nearly half of these 8,000 acres will be privately owned property. To date, the city has only greened 467 acres of 8,000, mostly in the public right of way.

Strong action is needed to put NYC on track to meet its goals. NYC needs to commit to more green infrastructure, a greater diversity of projects and stakeholder involvement, and better incentives.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]