NYC Mayor Eric Adams has done the unthinkable–mess with NYC pizza.
As reported by The NY Post, NYC recently approved a new rule that requires pizzerias and matzah bakeries that use old wood and coal-fired stoves in their cooking process to knock down their smoky pollutants 75%.
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) first drafted this new rule back in June 2023. DEP spokesman Ted Timbers had said in a statement that “wood and coal-fired stoves are among the largest contributors of harmful pollutants in neighborhoods with poor air quality” and New Yorkers “deserve to breathe healthy air.”
For pizzaiolos, however–especially those that use the traditional cooking method–the rule means dishing out extra dough.
Pizzerias and matzah bakeries that have had these types of ovens installed any time before May 2016 will have to buy expensive emission-control devices to knock down harmful pollutants.
And, considering NYC is already the priciest pizza city in the country and the cost of a slice has jumped 19% over the last eight years, we can only hope this rule won’t raise pizza prices any more!
The DEP had received over 150 comments about the rule before even approving it–with most expressing their concern with it.
Marc Hellman, just one of many who opposed the rule, stated how it would put “an unreasonable burden on small businesses.” Hellman added, “If the government wants to improve air quality, and force businesses to do it, it should provide the equipment free of charge rather than putting the burden on the businesses themselves,” writes The Post.
Alas, the rule was approved and takes effect April 27, 2024.
The Post writes that this rule will affect 130 NYC businesses, and some have already spent over $600k for new smoke-reducing systems in anticipation of it.