Council Member James Gennaro, chair of the New York City Council Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency and Waterfronts, opened a hearing to take testimony on Intro. 499, a bill sponsored by Council Member Francisco Moya Abreu calling for a yearlong feasibility study on implementing solar‑ready measures for commercial buildings.

The Department of Buildings’ testimony drew the most attention. Beth Golub, director of sustainability policy and legal affairs at the Department of Buildings, told the committee the city already requires on‑site solar or green roofs for many buildings under the Climate Mobilization Act. “Given the existing requirement for buildings to install solar or green roof systems and the upcoming enhancements to both New York City and state energy codes, we believe that the proposed study is not necessary,” Golub said.

Nut graf: The hearing centered on whether a formal study would add useful new information or duplicate work already underway. Advocates urged the council to pair any new study with clear discussion of financing and zoning barriers; DOB and advocates agreed on the need to coordinate with the administration’s ongoing energy‑code updates.

DOB cited the Climate Mobilization Act (Local Laws 92 and 94 of 2019) and said earlier measures have coincided with growth in solar installation permits citywide: 3,902 solar jobs permitted in 2016, 5,172 in 2020 and 9,118 in 2024. Golub said the agency is working on an updated New York City Energy Conservation Code that will include “on‑site renewable energy readiness, including solar.”

Speakers from environmental groups backed the concept of increasing rooftop readiness, but sought more specificity. Alia Sumrow, deputy director for New York City policy at the New York League of Conservation Voters, said proponents should “work with DOB so that the bill is not redundant with existing DOB efforts,” and recommended the legislation address financing — incentives, grants and other tools — and zoning or permitting impediments that can prevent installations.

The hearing produced no vote on Intro. 499. Chair Gennaro said the administration would provide testimony and further engagement would follow.

Ending: The committee did not take a vote; DOB and advocates left the door open to refine the proposal in coordination with the administration and council staff. The bill remains under committee consideration.