SWIM Coalition advocates for green roofs and stormwater rule in New York City

The City of New York held a meeting on June 21, 2025, focusing on "Solar Ready Measures for Commercial Buildings and Adapting NYC to Climate Change." The agenda included discussions on various climate resilience initiatives and the integration of environmental justice in sustainability planning.

The meeting began with representatives from the SWIM Coalition advocating for broader implementation of green roofs alongside solar energy systems. They emphasized that this combination optimizes both technologies and supports the city’s climate change and resiliency measures.

Next, the coalition expressed support for the recommendations from the Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice. They urged the inclusion of the Environmental Justice Advisory Board (EJAB) in the development and review of long-term sustainability plans, such as Plan YC. The coalition stressed that the EJAB should have the authority to participate actively in the planning process, rather than merely reviewing drafts before finalization.

The discussion then shifted to Bill 30, concerning the unified stormwater rule. The SWIM Coalition supported the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in fully implementing this rule, which aims to streamline the permitting process. They noted that the efficiency of the stormwater rule could be enhanced by increasing DEP staffing, suggesting that permit fees should be allocated to hire additional personnel for better administration of permits. The coalition highlighted the importance of the unified stormwater rule as a critical measure against future flooding.

Finally, the coalition voiced their support for Resolution 926, advocating for the city to adopt the New York State Climate Smart Communities Pledge. They indicated that they would submit written testimony to further support this initiative.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of integrating environmental justice into climate resilience strategies and the need for effective implementation of stormwater management practices. The discussions reflected a commitment to enhancing New York City's sustainability efforts while ensuring that all communities are actively involved in the planning process.