Public Officials Liability Insurance: NYC Sets Lofty “Green” Goals 

The New York City Council voted earlier this month to amend the previous government goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the city. With a unanimous vote, the Council approved Mayor Bill de Blasio’s ambitious new plan to reduce New York City’s fossil fuel consumption 80 percent by 2050. The new goals will amend the previous green initiatives passed in 2007, which set the bar at reducing NYC’s gas emissions 30 less than the 2005 numbers by 2030.

The initiative known as the PlaNYC, was originally enacted by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg as a voluntary participation initiative. Already some 17 universities, 11 hospitals, 12 global companies, and 16 residential management firms in New York City have pledged to lower emissions and proactively reduce their environmental impact. For now the plan is voluntary for most private owners of commercial buildings and properties, however Mayor de Blasio has indicated that if voluntary participation is not strong enough he will push for legislation mandating participation.

NYC is just one of dozens of municipalities across America to adopt similar plans. The 2008 World Energy Outlook estimated that urban cities accounted for over 70% of global carbon dioxide emissions due to energy consumption. In response, many of the world’s largest urban metropolises have joined together to form the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) leading the way in reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts. To date, twelve of America’s largest cities have become leading members of the C40 group, including New York City, to set an example for cities large and small around the world.

Large cities are not the only ones enacting legislations to lower the environmental impact of their municipality. American townships, cities, counties and burrows alike are adapting to the ever evolving EPA regulations and guidelines and taking steps to improve their sustainability. However, municipalities face a great deal of challenges when establishing new legislation, especially when the legislation results in conflicting or unattainable goals, which can public officials leave exposed to litigation. This balancing act can be tricky and even at the best of time public officials often face legal prosecution and hurdles simply because a critic does not support their policy stances.

The specialists at Professional Government Underwriters understand the challenges municipalities and public officials face. PGUI specializes in assembling Public Officials Liability Insurance programs that meets your specific risk exposures, requirements and concerns. Our Public Officials and Municipality insurance specialists can help ensure that you are properly protected in the event of any legal dispute or claims brought forth. Please Contact Us today for more information about our coverage offerings.