This unconsolidated proposed local law requires that the department undertake a study designed to ascertain areas most suitable to facilitate construction of geothermal mini grid or district heating and cooling applications within New York City. The study must consider areas where properties have similar geology and the individual well drilling might because prohibited; where groups of property owners with a history of working collaboratively such as block associations and civic groups and where the economies of scale can be achieved. Where areas most suitable for the installation of geothermal mini grid or district heating and cooling applications have been identified, the bill requires creation of a plan for facilitating an operating district scale geothermal systems.
- Filed (End of Session)
History
Int. No. 1076
By Council Member Holden, Cornegy and the Public Advocate (Mr. Williams) (by request of the Queens Borough President)
A Local Law in relation to studying and identifying locations for district-scale geothermal systems and encouraging installation and operation of such systems
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1. By no later than two years after the effective date of this local law, an office or agency designated by the mayor shall submit to the mayor and council, and make publicly available online:
a. A report describing, for each type of geothermal system, as such term is defined by section 3-125 of the administrative code of the city of New York, locations within the city where it would be feasible to install and operate district-scale geothermal systems of such type; provided that in determining such locations, such designated office shall take into account areas where property owners have a history of working collaboratively with one another through block associations, civic groups or otherwise and such designated office shall seek the cooperation of property owners and organizations representing property owners in identifying such areas; and
b. A plan for encouraging and facilitating the installation and operation of district-scale geothermal systems in such locations; provided that such plan shall include, at a minimum, (i) an identification of obstacles to such installation and operation, including regulatory obstacles, and recommendations for overcoming such obstacles and (ii) recommendations for providing information and financial and technical assistance to property owners at such locations or organizations representing property owners in such locations to encourage and facilitate such installation and operation.
§ 2. This local law takes effect immediately.
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