Republican Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida expressed his disagreement with proposed regulations in New York City aimed at reducing carbon emissions. During a visit to a pizzeria in the city, DeSantis stated in an interview with Fox News that the left does not want people to be happy.
The proposed rule change, put forward by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), would require pizzerias to cut their carbon emissions by 75% for coal-and-wood-fired ovens that were installed before 2016. To comply with the regulations, restaurants would need to install filters on their ovens and regularly monitor emissions.
In response to the proposed regulations, DEP spokesman Ted Timbers issued a statement saying that all New Yorkers deserve to breathe healthy air, and coal and wood-fired stoves are major contributors to harmful pollutants, particularly in areas with poor air quality.
Governor DeSantis, who is also a Republican presidential candidate, criticized the liberal policies dominating New York City, stating that they aim to control behavior. He drew parallels between the proposed regulations and the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming that both instances reflect a desire to control people’s behavior. DeSantis suggested that those in power do not want individuals to be happy or make their own decisions.
Following his visit to the pizzeria, the DeSantis campaign launched pizza-themed merchandise, including clothing with the slogan “Biden One Term. Everybody Knows The Rules.”
If implemented, the proposed regulations in New York City could impact around 100 pizzerias. The cost of air filters that can effectively control carbon emissions from ovens can be as high as $20,000, depending on the specific oven.
The controversy surrounding these regulations highlights the ongoing debate over environmental policies and their potential impact on businesses and individual freedoms. While aiming to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions, the proposed regulations have sparked criticism from those who believe they infringe upon personal choice and place a burden on small businesses.
As discussions around environmental sustainability and public health continue, it remains to be seen how the proposed regulations in New York City will evolve and whether alternative solutions can be found that strike a balance between reducing carbon emissions and supporting local businesses.
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