The Right to Cooling: Air Conditioning and Affordability in New York City

Every summer, approximately 500 New Yorkers die prematurely due to extreme heat. As a changing climate leads to hotter summers, this problem will only be exacerbated. But about 10% of NYC residents don’t have air conditioning in their home. To address this problem, in 2025 the New York City Council passed the Cool Homes for All Act, requiring landlords to provide cooling systems for tenants at their request. In this panel, we will discuss how to address concerns about public health, affordability, and technical feasibility as the city plans to implement the law. 

This event is in-person only and is open to the general public. Advanced registration is required. Register HERE.

PROGRAM

PANELISTS:

Jennifer Leone, Assistant Commissioner, Chief Sustainability Officer, New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development 

Lincoln Restler, New York City Council Member, Sponsor of Cool Homes for All Act 

Caleb Smith, New York City Policy Manager, WE ACT for Environmental Justice

MODERATOR: Christine Billy, Executive Director, Guarini Center on Environmental, Energy and Land Use Law, NYU School of Law

CLE: This event has been approved to offer 1.5 New York State CLE credits in the category of Areas of Professional Practice. The credit is both transitional and non-transitional; it is appropriate for both experienced and newly appointed attorneys.

REGISTRATION:

Advanced registration is required. REGISTER HERE.

This event is co-sponsored by the Guarini Center and the New York City Environmental Law Leadership Institute.