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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2003
PR- 095-03
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION
TO PROMOTE USE OF ENERGY EFFICIENT PRODUCTS

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Law

“The first bill before me today is Introductory Number 377, sponsored by Speaker Miller and Council Members Brewer, Clarke, Comrie, Fidler, Gerson, Gennaro, Jackson, Katz, Koppell, Liu, Moskowitz, Nelson, Quinn, Sears, Serrano, Vann, Weprin and Yassky.  This bill amends the Administrative Code to ensure the workability of the requirements for the City purchase of energy efficient products, which were originally adopted by the Council in Local Law 37 of 2002. 

“Intro. 377 makes several important changes to Local Law 37.  First, it eliminates the provision that there be at least six vendors in order for the Energy Star specification to be generally required in a solicitation.  This change will allow agencies to rely in large measure upon manufacturer information readily available from the Energy Star website to determine whether the specification is appropriate. 

“Second, the bill deletes a requirement for procurement of certain non-Energy Star products in the United States Federal Energy Management Program.  While the purpose of the requirement was commendable, the City could not implement it efficiently and appropriately at this time.

“Third, the bill adds two exceptions to the Energy Star procurement requirement: emergency procurements and instances where the Energy Star specification would not further competitive procurement.  For example, the Energy Star procurement requirement may be waived when Energy Star products do not meet reasonable price or quality criteria. 

“Finally, the annual reporting requirement of Local Law 37 is modified to require a
one-time progress report that excludes small purchases.

“This bill reflects a compromise between my Administration and the City Council,
one that advances the goal of energy efficiency while protecting the competitive nature of the City’s procurement system. In these times, not only it is good for the environment, it is equally good for the pocketbook.”


 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Jordan Barowitz  
(212) 788-2958