Treyger climate change bill aims to cool New York City streets
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal is getting a lot of national attention, but closer to home, a Brooklyn lawmaker is proposing a climate change solution at the street level.
Councilmember Mark Treyger has introduced legislation to require the Department of Transportation (DOE) to explore the idea of applying some type of light-colored substance to street asphalt to reflect sunlight and lower the temperature on the city’s roadways. The reason: Dark colored asphalt absorbs the sun’s rays, Treyger said.
Specifically, Treyger’s bill, which he introduced on Weds., Feb. 13, would require DOT to conduct a feasibility study that would look at the types of materials that could be applied to reduce street surface temperatures. The study would also include cost estimates.