As a parent living in New York City, I am concerned by the current heating law that requires buildings to maintain heat until May 31st. My family and I are currently experiencing discomfort due to overheating in our apartment building, which is possibly even unsafe for our infant son. Our building lacks proper airflow and we heavily rely on air conditioning (AC) during warmer months because of its design. However, due to the existing law, many buildings, including ours, refuse to turn on AC, or even turn off steam pipes, until May 31st out of fear of fines.

Because of global warming, laws which previously made sense are no longer needed and cause inconvenience and danger. The New York City Panel on Climate Change states that the average temperature in the city has increased by about 3.4F over the past 100 years (https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dep/downloads/pdf/environment/education/climate-change-introduction-presentation.pdf This rise in temperature, coupled with modern construction practices which rely on widespread use of AC rather than natural cooling methods, make laws like these archaic and even dangerous. 

We believe that it's time for our city authorities to reconsider this law and adjust it according to current climate realities. By pulling the date when heating is required from May 31st to April 30th or earlier, or at least making the rule flexible, we can ensure a safer and more comfortable environment for all residents - especially those most vulnerable like infants who cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults.

We urge you all - fellow citizens and parents alike - to join us in calling upon city officials to modify this outdated heating law. Please sign this petition today!