"The next bill before me is Introductory number 379-A, sponsored by Council Members Clarke, Perkins, Gentile, Barron, Gennaro, Gerson, James, Koppell, Lopez, Nelson, Palma, Quinn, Vallone, Weprin, Jackson, Brewer, Monserrate, Recchia, DeBlasio, Baez, Moskowitz, Fidler, Yassky, Liu, Foster, Gioia, Sanders., McMahon, Addabbo, Reyna, Katz, Reed, Avella, Provenzano, Boyland, Speaker Miller, and Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum. This bill mandates the usage of Energy Star appliances in buildings that receive tax benefits from the City.

"Created in 1992 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Energy Star program certifies products that meet established energy efficiency standards. Intro. 379-A would mandate, for any building which receives J-51 or 421-a tax benefits, that whenever a household appliance, boiler or furnace is installed or replaced with a new unit, the new unit must be certified as an Energy Star product.

"This bill is a commonsense measure that will help in a small way to conserve energy, save money and protect our environment.

"I would like to thank the Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the City Council for their work on this bill."