Local Law No. 10 - Summer

Team Members: Yazan Zafar, Vasu Jayanthi, Ellie Alter, Ian Kang Choo, Sonali Deshpande, Skye Ashlyn Embray, Tarun George, Tamara Jeffries, Sarah Malott, Clarisa Marambio, Jeremy Raguain

New York City Local Law 10 of 2023 expands the use of urban green infrastructure (UGI) to address disproportionate environmental burdens in environmental justice communities, including flooding, urban heat, air pollution, and associated health risks. Analysis of environmental conditions and infrastructure distribution identified significant inequities in green space access, particularly in neighborhoods such as Mott Haven in the South Bronx, where residents experience higher exposure to heat stress, poor air quality, and combined sewer overflow events. Scientific and spatial analysis demonstrated that green infrastructure—including green roofs, tree canopy expansion, and stormwater management systems—can reduce surface temperatures, improve air quality, and mitigate flood risks. However, research also found that UGI effectiveness varies depending on scale, maintenance, and integration with existing infrastructure systems.

Case study analysis of green infrastructure implementation in Mott Haven revealed that while UGI can significantly improve environmental conditions, it cannot fully resolve underlying structural inequalities without coordinated planning and sustained investment. Implementation challenges include limited space availability, maintenance costs, and the potential for unintended consequences such as green gentrification, which may displace vulnerable populations. Findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing investments in high-vulnerability areas, integrating community participation into planning processes, and establishing long-term maintenance programs to ensure sustained effectiveness. Strategic deployment of green infrastructure can reduce environmental health disparities while improving climate resilience, but its success depends on equitable planning, adequate funding, and integration with broader environmental justice policies.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.