Green Revolution: New Local Regulations Address Global Warming

A great deal has been written about global warming, international efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, state and federal action in this area, and even growing business initiatives that seek to address the problem. (<i>See, e.g.,</i> Thomas L. Friedman, 'The Green Road Less Traveled,' <i>N.Y. Times, Week in Review,</i> at 12, July 15, 2007. Significantly, however, these environmental concerns also have reached down to the local level throughout New York state. Indeed, local government actions are already affecting ' and will have significant future implications for ' individuals, businesses, property owners, contractors, and suppliers. Local municipalities have adopted zoning, building, or construction codes or other land use regulations requiring consideration of greenhouse gases or related environmental issues before permits will be issued. The new provisions are becoming so prevalent, in fact, that one might rightly declare that the state is at the beginning of a 'Green Revolution' on the local level.