Donald Trump’s properties in New York City could be facing hefty fines if they fail to comply with the city’s building emissions laws. The properties, including Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue, could collectively owe millions in penalties over the next decade.
Former President Trump’s real estate was identified as a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the city while he was in office. Now, with Local Law 97 in effect, property owners with buildings larger than 25,000 square feet that exceed emissions limits will face fines starting next year.
The Trump Organization, which owns several high-end properties in the city, could be on the hook for substantial fines. A penalty calculator created by the Building Energy Exchange estimates that Trump-affiliated properties could owe significant amounts in fines over the next decade.
It’s essential for these buildings to make energy efficiency upgrades to reduce their carbon footprint and avoid fines. This includes measures like switching to LED lighting or upgrading HVAC systems. However, if they fail to comply, the fines will increase over time.
Local Law 97 covers a wide range of property types and sets increasingly stringent pollution limits over five compliance periods from 2024 to 2050. Trump-affiliated properties, such as one on East 57th Street, are already above their 2024 emissions cap and could face substantial fines starting next year.
Environmentalists are calling for action to reduce emissions from these buildings and combat climate change. They emphasize the importance of upgrading properties to cut pollution and protect the environment.
Regarding who will be responsible for paying fines, it falls on the building owners to comply with the law and cover any penalties. In cases where Trump owns ground leases, he would be viewed as the owner and would be liable for fines. However, in properties where Trump has ownership over parts of the building, he may share the responsibility with other owners.
While the fines projected by the penalty calculator provide estimates based on current data, the exact amounts will depend on future energy consumption. Legal experts caution that some details on fine enforcement are still being worked out, and challenges may arise when fines are imposed.
Ultimately, the goal of Local Law 97 is to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Building owners, including those affiliated with Trump, must make the necessary upgrades to comply with the law and protect the environment. Failure to do so could have significant consequences for the city’s climate goals and overall efforts to address climate change.