2025 Theses Master's

The Cost of Exclusion: How Local law 97 Shapes Energy Inequities in NYC Communities

Sanghavi, Saumil

Local law 97 (LL97) of 2019, a cornerstone of New York City’s Climate Mobilization Act, mandates significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions for large buildings (over 25,000 square feet), aiming for a 40% reduction by 2030, and 80% by 2050. While this policy is pivotal in advancing urban decarbonization, its design and implementation have raised concerns about exacerbating existing inequities across the city.

The thesis investigates how LL97 shapes energy disparities by analyzing its socio-spatial impacts on disadvantaged communities excluded from compliance mandates. Using a quantitative approach, the study uses geospatial analysis of census tract level emissions data with socio-economic indicators with greater access to resources for compliance while perpetuating systemic inequities in historically marginalized areas. Exemptions for rent-regulated buildings and limited support for retrofitting older housing stock exacerbates energy burdens in low-income communities. The research highlights the emergence of new forms of spatial injustice, where environmental and economic benefits of decarbonization are unevenly distributed.

This study argues for a reimagined policy framework that integrates targeted investments in disadvantaged neighborhoods, enhancing financial support for retrofitting projects, and community-driven planning processes to ensure inclusive participation in the energy transition. By addressing these gaps, New York City can achieve a more equitable low-carbon future while mitigating unintended consequences of climate policies. These findings contribute to broader discussions of energy justice and the need for spatially inclusive approaches to urban sustainability.