AGENCY TESTIMONY
Discussion of Intro 994 and city initiatives to address extreme heat
0:30:13
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3 min
HPD discusses Intro 994, which addresses cooling requirements in residential units, and outlines various city initiatives to combat extreme heat and climate change impacts on residents. The department emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that considers implementation challenges and long-term sustainability.
- HPD acknowledges the serious impact of extreme heat on New Yorkers, especially vulnerable populations
- The department has integrated cooling measures into guidelines for projects they finance
- City-wide initiatives include advocating for HEAP reform, launching an air conditioning recovery program, and developing an urban forest plan
- HPD stresses the need for a multi-agency effort to address the complexities of implementing cooling requirements
- The department commits to working with other agencies and the council to develop effective and sustainable solutions
AnnMarie Santiago
0:30:13
Finally, turning to introduction 994, far too many New Yorkers are affected by the consequences of extreme heat and climate change.
0:30:23
We must protect everyone, especially those most at risk from extreme heat.
0:30:29
However, we need to consider this legislation in a way that accounts for the reality of implementation timelines, existing technology, funding limitations, and the needs of our residents.
0:30:40
Both HPD and the city take this issue very seriously.
0:30:45
HPD has integrated measures to address extreme heat into the desired guidelines for all projects we finance, including requiring cooling and new construction, and for retrofits that include senior housing, among other preventative measures.
0:30:59
Citywide, the mayor's office of climate and environmental justice and agency partners have advanced several goals to extract address extreme heat within homes.
0:31:09
This includes advocating for reform to the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, to cover equipment and energy costs for cooling, as well as for increased federal funding for this critical program.
0:31:22
In addition, the city was awarded $1,000,000 through the US Environmental Protection Agency for an air conditioning recovery program to start in 2025 in partnership with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York City Housing Authority, MocDJ, Department of Sanitation, Big Reuse, and the Fund for Public Housing.
0:31:44
The city also advocates for expanded energy affordability program funding to assist more low and moderate income residents in paying their heating and cooling bills.
0:31:53
As a key strategy for cooling the built environment, Maki j and Parks have also launched the planning process for the city's 1st urban forest plan to achieve 30% citywide tree canopy.
0:32:07
We appreciate that a short term solution is needed to address health impacts now while we focus greater resources and energy on creating a long term sustainable strategy that works together with other climate legislation already in place to try to move New York City into the future.
0:32:24
In creating this structure, we need to ensure that we're addressing the unique and distinct parts of our housing stock appropriately and taking steps that will meaningfully align with the city's long term climate goals, considers the age of our building and condition of our electric grid, ensures energy affordability, and ensures the law can be enforced effectively to make sure it works as intended.
0:32:46
This will need to be a multiagency effort across levels of government, and we are committed to working with our colleagues at MACHI J, the Department of Buildings, and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and others, to ensure that we are accounting for both the realities of our physical infrastructure and New Yorkers' current circumstances.
0:33:06
We look forward to continuing to discuss the challenges with you, your colleagues, and other city agencies who have an interest in the health of New York City residents, the resiliency of New York City's housing stock, and the effects of climate change.
0:33:18
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today about these important pieces of legislation and on HPD's current work to support tenants throughout the 5 boroughs.
0:33:27
We remain committed to working with you to improve what we do to better serve New Yorkers in need.
0:33:33
We are happy to answer any questions you might have.
