N.Y.C. Admin. Code § L.L. 2002/037: L.L. 2002/037

Enactment date: 11/20/2002

Proposed Int. No. 156-A

By the Speaker (Council Member Miller) and Council Members Addabbo, Brewer, Comrie, DeBlasio, Diaz, Gennaro, Gerson, Koppell, Martinez, Monserrate, Nelson, Perkins, Quinn, Reyna, Sanders, Seabrook, Vallone and Liu; also Council Members Jackson, Gioia and Moskowitz

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the City of New York, in relation to the procurement of energy efficient products.

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

Section 1. Declaration of Legislative Findings and Intent. Recognizing the need for energy efficiency, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Energy (DOE) decided in 1992 to promote the purchase of energy efficient products through an innovative labeling program. The ENERGY STAR labeling program tags products that meet energy efficient criteria, and as a result, reduce overall energy use, lessening the amount of fossil fuel being burned by power plants, and the amount of greenhouse gases and other pollutants emitted into the atmosphere.

Through the ENERGY STAR program, manufacturers and retailers sign voluntary agreements allowing them to place ENERGY STAR labels on products that meet or exceed energy-efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and the DOE. Manufacturers and retailers may also use the label in product packaging, promotions and advertising for qualified products. Most ENERGY STAR labeled products have the same or better performance, features, reliability, and price as conventional models.

ENERGY STAR labeled office equipment saves energy by automatically entering a low-power mode when not in use. The energy-efficient models have all of the performance features of standard office equipment, but help to eliminate energy waste through special power management features. ENERGY STAR labeled office products use about half as much electricity as conventional office equipment, thereby significantly reducing energy costs.

The Council finds that the potential benefits associated with the procurement and use of Energy Star products are enormous and easily achievable. On June 10, 2001, the Governor issued an executive order requiring that "State agencies and other affected entities shall select Energy Star energy-efficient products when acquiring new energy-using products or replacing existing equipment." Executive Order No. 111, Section III, June 10, 2001. Given the cost savings alone, it makes fiscal sense for the City to do the same.

The Council finds that the City of New York should join New York State and lead other municipalities and New Yorkers by example in promoting the use of energy efficient products. Accordingly, the City in its role of market participant should, whenever possible, exercise its purchasing power to ensure that ENERGY STAR and other energy efficient products are acquired.

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[Consolidated provisions are not included in this Appendix A]

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§ 3. This local law shall take effect immediately.