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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2002
PR- 313-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION
UPDATING ELECTRICAL CODE

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The next bill before me today is Introductory Number 284, sponsored at my request by Council Member Provenzano, Chair of the Housing and Buildings Committee, and Council Members Comrie, Felder, Fidler, Nelson, Sears, Stewart and Weprin.

"This bill updates the City of New York's antiquated electrical code for the first time in more than three decades and brings it in line with a recognized industry standard, the 1999 National Electrical Code. The bill is a collection of amendments that adapts the 1999 National Electrical Code to the special requirements of building construction in New York City, and incorporates the enormous technological advancements that have occurred since the 1960s, including low voltage systems, fiber optics, digital control systems, and solar and fuel cell technology. Modernizing the code will generate cost-savings and enhance safety, benefiting residents, workers, and builders.

"The City will continue to update its electrical code on a tri-annual basis, and next year it will join a select group of states that are in-line with the 2002 National Electrical Code. Never again will New York let thirty years - and a generation of new technology - pass it by. The City's electrical technical standards will now allow it to keep pace with rapid advancements in technology, maintaining its position as the global leader in the field.

"The process of revising the electrical code began only a year ago under Local Law 64 of 2001. Undertaking a comprehensive revision of the City's electrical code was a monumental task and completing it in less than a year required a Herculean effort. I applaud Commissioner Lancaster and the Department of Buildings for their success in completing the project on schedule and for helping to make New York a safer place to live and a more welcoming place to do business. I would also like to thank Council Member Provenzano for her contributions in passing this important legislation."

 

www.nyc.gov

Contact:

Edward Skyler / Jordan Barowitz
(212) 788-2958