De Blasio threatens Trump Organization with fines over pollution

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) on Monday warned the Trump Organization to reduce carbon emissions from its buildings, threatening to fine it $2.1 million a year beginning in 2030, according to Reuters.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, even the president of the United States, you have to obey the laws of New York City,” de Blasio, who is reportedly considering a run for president, said in the lobby of Trump Tower on Monday, according to the news service. A citywide law set to take effect Friday establishes tighter emissions standards for larger buildings, including the 58-story Fifth Avenue skyscraper.

{mosads}The mayor’s office said in a statement that buildings are responsible for nearly 70 percent of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions. De Blasio tweeted an itemized “bill” to Trump properties in the city, including $469,848 for Trump Tower, $239,315 for Trump Palace, and $850,871 for Trump International Hotel and Tower. The mayor’s office said the eight buildings listed release about 27,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases annually, the same as the output of 5,800 cars.

.@realDonaldTrump is running scared from NYC’s Green New Deal. The temper tantrum his organization threw at Trump Tower today is proof.

You’re on notice, Donald: we won’t let you mortgage our future for your real estate. Fix your buildings or pay the price.

We WILL collect. pic.twitter.com/3wHT4gr2km

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) May 13, 2019

The Trump Organization did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Hill.

In April, the city passed sweeping climate legislation in a 45-2 vote. The Climate Mobilization Act includes a target of reducing carbon emissions in the city by 40 percent by 2040 and by 80 percent by 2050. Its requirements apply to buildings of more than 25,000 square feet, which represent only about 2 percent of the city’s real estate but half of building emissions.