NEW YORK – New York State Representative Sam Pirozzolo (R-Staten Island) has proposed a bill that would exempt certain ethnic restaurants, such as pizzerias and matzah makers, from strict emissions regulations for wood- and coal-fired ovens. are doing. Mr Pirozzolo argues that these regulations unfairly target businesses that prepare ethnic food, and suggests that the government should focus on more pressing issues such as crime and public safety.
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Meanwhile, the Department of Environmental Protection is defending the regulations necessary to reduce harmful emissions and protect public health. The regulations, backed by Mayor Eric Adams, require affected businesses to install expensive air filtration systems to reduce emissions from traditional ovens.
Pirozzolo’s proposed bill, entitled the “Preserving Our Culinary Traditions Act,” aims to exempt the burning of wood, coal and other fuels for cooking purposes from pollution regulations. He argues that these exemptions are necessary to protect New York City’s rich culinary traditions and relieve businesses from the financial burden of compliance costs.
The article also notes the efforts of other lawmakers, such as Brooklyn City Councilman Justin Brannan, who are considering alternatives such as tax breaks to help businesses buy the filtration equipment they need.
Overall, the debate revolves around balancing environmental concerns with the preservation of cultural and culinary traditions and the economic viability of affected businesses.
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