Chapter 5: Law and regulation

Abstract

This chapter examines awide range of current envi- ronmental laws and regulations at all levels relevant to New York City to determine their applicability to climate change adaptation efforts, and also examines some basic legal frameworks that govern infrastructure, which also need to adapt (see CPL, Appendix C, for further information). Laws appli- cable to New York City are enacted by legislative bodies, the U.S.Congress, the NewYork State Legis- lature, and the New York City Council. Regulations, as the termis used in this chapter, are issued by gov- ernmental agencies or authorities and have the force of law and may be issued inmany forms, including rules, orders, procedures, and administrative codes Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1196 (2010) 87–112 c (Table 5.1). The chapter discusses initiatives New York City has already undertaken and also suggests additional measures that might be useful in fos- tering adaptation to climate change. New laws and regulations and an examination of legal and regula- tory impediments may be required that reflect the changes to the city’s environmental baselines and the environment in which infrastructure is operat- ing;however, thiswas beyond the scope of this work.