New York Note: City Legislation, Cap-and-Invest, Swim Lessons

March 31, 2025

NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation

Last Wednesday, the NYC Council convened a Stated meeting, where they passed and introduced multiple pieces of legislation. The Council passed a package regarding sidewalk shed management, and voted to establish a sleep apnea screening pilot program. The Council also approved a resolution supporting the state’s New York City Arts Space Act to promote the development of affordable arts spaces in NYC, along with the formal establishment of the East Harlem 125th Street Business Improvement District. Additionally, the Council introduced legislation requiring shelters to provide free Internet access to residents and establish an Office of the Census. You can find all of the legislation that was passed and introduced here.

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State Releases Initial Rules for Cap-and-Invest Program

The Department of Environmental Conservation has released draft rules for the state’s cap-and-invest program. The program intends to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and raise funds for climate resiliency projects. The introduced rules address greenhouse gas reporting, but two other sets of rules are needed to get the program underway. The released rules address when and how companies would need to report their greenhouse gas emissions under the proposed program, but do not set standards for emissions cap before the purchasing of carbon credits. The public can comment on the draft rules until July 1.

Mayor Adams Announces Expansion of Free Swim Lessons

Mayor Adams and the Parks Department announced the expansion of free swim programs by the City. The initiative, first announced in Mayor Adams’ State of the City address, will expand the program to 4,800 second graders, bringing the total students served to nearly 18,000. The program targets underserved communities, and the lessons will take place at NYC Public Schools pools and select third-party indoor pools.

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