FROM THE ROAD.

Wood-fired pizzerias out of New York: new proposal causes controversy

New York is taking huge steps to reduce environmental pollution within the city. The recent North American wildfires have put a strain on the Big Apple's air, and now local authorities have serious measures in mind to reduce pollution. A bill proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection would require restaurants to reduce their carbon footprint by up to 75 per cent, and this would also indirectly affect New York's historic pizzerias with wood-fired or charcoal-fired ovens.

As the 'New York Post' points out, the reduction in emissions would affect all those restaurateurs who installed such ovens prior to 2016, but it would in any case be a devastating blow to the category, which, in addition to having to spend thousands of dollars on new filtering systems or replacing ovens, would find itself with a product that tastes totally different.

The spokesman for the environmental department, Ted Timbers, speaks of a sensible measure in the interest of public health, but there are numerous protests from the trade bodies who want to defend their work and their product.

Freepik
Pizzerias with wood-fired ovens are in danger of disappearing from New York City
New York is taking huge steps to reduce environmental pollution within the city. The recent North American wildfires have put a strain on the Big Apple's air, and now local authorities have serious measures in mind to reduce pollution. A bill proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection would require restaurants to reduce their carbon footprint by up to 75 per cent, and this would indirectly affect New York's historic pizzerias with wood or coal-fired ovens.
Freepik
Pizzerias with wood-fired ovens are in danger of disappearing from New York City
As the 'New York Post' points out, the reduction in emissions would affect all those restaurateurs who installed ovens of this type before 2016, but it would in any case be a devastating blow to the category which, in addition to having to spend thousands of dollars on new filtering systems or replacing ovens, would find itself with a product that tastes totally different.
Freepik
Pizzerias with wood-fired ovens are in danger of disappearing from New York City
The spokesman for the environmental department, Ted Timbers, speaks of a sensible measure in the interest of public health, but there are numerous protests from industry bodies who want to defend their jobs and their product. "All New Yorkers deserve to breathe healthy air, and wood and coal stoves are among the largest contributors of harmful pollutants in neighbourhoods with poor air quality. This common sense rule developed with restaurants and environmental justice groups requires a professional review of the feasibility of installing emission controls," his words.
Freepik
Pizzerias with wood-fired ovens are in danger of disappearing from New York City
The city authorities speak of less than 100 pizzerias in total being affected by the measure, but an anonymous source reported that negotiations are still ongoing with department officials on whether to exempt coal and wood-fired pizzerias from the mandate.
Freepik
Pizzerias with wood-fired ovens are in danger of disappearing from New York City
Multi-billionaire and philanthropist Elon Musk also intervened on Twitter, arguing the futility of the measure. "It's utter nonsense," said the billionaire entrepreneur, "and it won't make any difference to climate change.
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