ALBANY, NY – A new proposal in the New York State Assembly would shield the use of wood-, coal-, gas-, and propane-fired cooking equipment from current and future climate-related restrictions under state and local environmental laws.
Assembly Bill A210, sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Pirozzolo and co-sponsored by Assemblyman Williams, is titled the “Preserving Our Culinary Traditions Act.” The measure would amend the state’s Environmental Conservation Law to explicitly exempt the burning of traditional fuels for cooking or food preparation from any prohibitions tied to the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
Supporters say the bill is necessary to preserve New York’s diverse restaurant culture, which relies on wood-fired and coal-fired stoves, grills, and ovens that may otherwise fall under emissions limits set by the CLCPA or local environmental regulations such as New York City’s Local Law 97. The proposal emphasizes protecting small businesses and eateries from the cost of replacing functional cooking equipment to meet electrification mandates.
- Bill A210 would exempt cooking fuels from state climate-related restrictions
- Lawmakers cite impact of electrification mandates on restaurants and small businesses
- The act is named the “Preserving Our Culinary Traditions Act”
According to the bill’s memorandum, lawmakers intend to ensure that restaurants and food establishments can “continue adhering to proper cooking protocols to preserve the rich flavors, textures, and aromas” of New York’s culinary heritage. The measure builds upon a 2023 state budget exemption already granted to commercial kitchens using fossil-fuel systems.
The bill, referred to the Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation on April 3, 2024, carries no fiscal impact and would take effect immediately upon passage.
ALBANY, NY – A new proposal in the New York State Assembly would shield the use of wood-, coal-, gas-, and propane-fired cooking equipment from current and future climate-related restrictions under state and local environmental laws.
Assembly Bill A210, sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Pirozzolo and co-sponsored by Assemblyman Williams, is titled the “Preserving Our Culinary Traditions Act.” The measure would amend the state’s Environmental Conservation Law to explicitly exempt the burning of traditional fuels for cooking or food preparation from any prohibitions tied to the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
Supporters say the bill is necessary to preserve New York’s diverse restaurant culture, which relies on wood-fired and coal-fired stoves, grills, and ovens that may otherwise fall under emissions limits set by the CLCPA or local environmental regulations such as New York City’s Local Law 97. The proposal emphasizes protecting small businesses and eateries from the cost of replacing functional cooking equipment to meet electrification mandates.
- Bill A210 would exempt cooking fuels from state climate-related restrictions
- Lawmakers cite impact of electrification mandates on restaurants and small businesses
- The act is named the “Preserving Our Culinary Traditions Act”
According to the bill’s memorandum, lawmakers intend to ensure that restaurants and food establishments can “continue adhering to proper cooking protocols to preserve the rich flavors, textures, and aromas” of New York’s culinary heritage. The measure builds upon a 2023 state budget exemption already granted to commercial kitchens using fossil-fuel systems.
The bill, referred to the Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation on April 3, 2024, carries no fiscal impact and would take effect immediately upon passage.
