New York mayor Bill de Blasio has warned president Donald Trump that he could be fined up to $2.1 million if he doesn't retrofit his towers in the city to meet new environmental targets.
De Blasio issued notice to the president that eight of his residential and hotel towers do not comply with the environmental goals of the New York City Green New Deal – a major new initiative to reduce the city's greenhouse gas emissions.
Trump could face fines of up to $2.1 million (£1.6 million) every year from 2030 if the structures aren't amended to meet new standards.
"President Trump – you're on notice," said De Blasio. "Your polluting buildings are part of the problem. Cut your emissions or pay the price."
Trump towers among "biggest polluters in New York City"
The mayor held a rally at Trump Tower yesterday to promote the New York City Green New Deal, which was passed last month. The initiative is taking a major stance against the city's high-rises, which account for nearly a third of all greenhouse gas emissions.
This includes a mandate for landlords to retrofit high-rises or face large fines, set to come into effect 17 May. Trump, who was a prolific real-estate developer prior to becoming president, is highlighted as a key target.
His eight culpable projects, which include Trump Tower, Trump Park Avenue and Trump Palace, are estimated to produce as many greenhouse gases as 5,800 cars a year. Among the worst offenders is Trump International Hotel & Tower, 1 Central Park West, which is expected to cost $850,871 (£658,833) in fines per year if no improvements are made.
"We're calling [the Trump organisation out] for what they are doing to the climate," said De Blasio at the 13 May event. "His buildings are among the biggest polluters in New York City."
Green New Deal hits city high-rises
New York's $14 billion (£10.8 billion) Green New Deal comprises a number of initiatives to reduce greenhouse gasses in the city by 30 per cent by the year 2030. In addition to retrofitting existing high-rises, the mayor has also banned the construction of new glass and steel skyscrapers.
New glazed structures could be built under the new law, but would have to align with energy efficiency targets.
De Blasio plans to cut down on the use of fossil fuels in favour of renewable energy sources, and to source zero-emission, hydro-power from Quebec, Canada. New York City will also be suing five large petroleum companies to "get back in damages the money to fix what they did to the city".
New York's Green New Deal forms part of the city's OneNYC 2050 strategy to become carbon neutral by 2050. These goals come in direct opposition to the ambitions of Donald Trump, who is a climate-change skeptic.
Many align with those of the Paris Agreement – the international climate-change treaty that Trump withdrew the US from in 2017.
Read on for the full list of Trump's offending towers, as published by New York City government:
Image courtesy of Shutterstock.