Report: NYC On Track But Needs Support for 2030 Emissions Targets; J-51 Would Help 350K+ NYers Afford Upgrades

NEW YORK, NY (09/16/2026) (readMedia)-- A new Department of Buildings report found that the vast majority of buildings are on track to meet their required carbon emissions reductions, but that building owners will need support to meet "increasingly stringent" targets in the coming years. The report comes as the NYC Council moves closer to passing Intro 1015, legislation that would expand the J-51 tax abatement program and help co-op boards and building owners save thousands of dollars on critical upgrades to comply with the City's emissions reduction goals.

"We are thrilled to see the vast majority of buildings are making progress to reduce their emissions and create healthier, more sustainable homes for all New Yorkers. As the next LL97 milestone approaches in 2030, we must ensure building owners have the support they need to make important investments while keeping homes affordable for the people who live in them. Thankfully, the new and improved J-51 program will help building owners make the necessary investments while keeping homes affordable. We look forward to working with the Council to finish the job," said Priya Mulgaonkar, Director at the Green Co-op Council.

New York City's aging, inefficient buildings are the city's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and biggest contributor to climate change, which is why Local Law 97 (LL 97) requires buildings to make energy-efficient upgrades and cut emissions. Earlier this year, Albany lawmakers re-authorized the J-51 tax abatement program, expanding eligibility so that thousands of middle-class co-op and apartment buildings now qualify. The updated program ties eligibility to inflation, and also covers up to 100% of some projects instead of the previous 70% cap.

According to a recent Green Co-op Council report, the revamped J-51 tax abatement will expand access to co-ops and condos with an assessed value at or under $60,000 per unit, allowing an additional 94,416 households to benefit from the program. The new version will cover more than 10,000 co-op and 5,000 condo buildings, including all Mitchell-Lama buildings and many rent-stabilized and rent-regulated buildings. The report also includes a new, interactive tool that residents can use to see whether their building is eligible for the new J-51 program once it is enacted. Read the report and see the tool here.