Proposed changes to the New York City fire code would dramatically restrict solar PV deployment on New York City’s already highly constrained roof spaces. Solar PV deployments in New York City have plateaued and even declined in recent years. If effectuated, these changes would significantly downsize or outright eliminate many solar PV projects across New York City, leading to a downturn in solar PV deployment.

Consequently, they would lead to a contraction of New York City’s solar PV industry and its workforce and its economic recovery from the devastating effects of COVID-19, and impede the realization of the City’s and New York State’s solar PV and decarbonization goals at a time when accelerated deployment of clean energy is more crucial than ever in order to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis.