New York mayor targets classic skyscrapers with Green New Deal

[NEW YORK] Mayor Bill de Blasio marked Earth Day by outlining measures to make New York greener Monday, including dramatically cutting the carbon footprint of the city's signature building, the skyscraper.

"We're going to ban the classic glass and steel skyscrapers, which are incredibly inefficient," he told MSNBC television.

The New York version of the "Green New Deal" currently being pushed by freshmen Democratic members of Congress would make buildings of more than 2,300 sqm cut their emissions by 40 per cent by 2030, compared with 2005 levels.

The Democratic mayor said that those who fail to meet the new environmental standards could face fines of more than a million dollars, in the case of larger buildings.

The glass-sided towers that arose in the 1960s, and which have proven popular for their panoramic views, will only be approved in the future if they meet strict rules on energy efficiency.

"Every day we wait is a day our planet gets closer to the point of no-return. New York City's Green New Deal meets that reality head on," de Blasio said in a statement after signing off on measures adopted by the city council last week.

In recent months, the mayor has unveiled a number of initiatives in line with the more left-leaning Democratic presidential contenders, including a health care plan that would provide coverage for all New York residents, including undocumented immigrants.

The mayor has reportedly been contemplating a presidential run himself for the 2020 election, which would mean inserting himself into a crowded field of 19 other Democratic hopefuls, including former vice-president Joe Biden.

Recent polls, however, suggest his chances of winning the nomination would be small.

"I am going to make a decision soon," Mr de Blasio told MSNBC, saying that his family would be the most important factor in whether he decides to run.

AFP