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(TJV NEWS) In response to stringent environmental regulations targeting wood- and coal-fired ovens in New York City eateries, Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo (R-Staten Island) has introduced a proposed bill known as the “Preserving Our Culinary Traditions Act”, the NY Post reported
This legislation aims to exempt certain establishments from costly pollution restrictions, arguing that such measures unfairly discriminate against ethnic restaurants and threaten their traditional cooking methods.
Pirozzolo vehemently opposes the city’s mandate, emphasizing its detrimental impact on small businesses and cultural heritage. He contends, “I’m trying to stop discrimination against ethnic restaurants. These misguided laws go against businesses that cook ethnic cuisine.” Expressing concern over misplaced priorities amidst pressing societal issues, he adds, “But we’re going after wood-burning pizza? It’s misguided. Let’s get our priorities straight.”
This bill would seriously effect Matzahv bakeries throughout NYC, in addition to pizza shops.
The proposed bill seeks to counteract the Department of Environmental Protection’s new rule, which requires eateries with wood- and coal-fired ovens to install costly air filtration systems to reduce emissions by 75%. Pirozzolo criticizes these regulations as burdensome and ineffective, stating, “The rules are ridiculously anti-business, amount to a war on traditional-cooking methods in wood- and coal-fired ovens, and do little to curb real pollution.”
Highlighting what he perceives as a double standard in environmental policy, Pirozzolo points out exemptions granted to residential gas usage despite recent bans on gas appliances. He argues, “In keeping with the rich culinary tradition of New York City’s residents and in-state residents hailing from far and wide, it is perfectly reasonable to exempt the use of said appliances to allow eateries to continue adhering to proper cooking protocols.”
Despite opposition from affected businesses and support from Mayor Eric Adams, who backs the city’s initiative, Pirozzolo remains steadfast in his advocacy for local eateries. He aims to garner support from fellow legislators and potentially introduce the bill in the state Senate. Meanwhile, Councilman Justin Brannan proposes tax breaks to alleviate the financial strain on pizzerias forced to comply with the new mandate.
Pirozzolo, known for his prior headline-making clash over a Donald Trump sculpture, emerges as a champion for local businesses and cultural preservation amidst the regulatory landscape. As he navigates the political arena, his proposed legislation represents a broader struggle between environmental concerns and the preservation of culinary traditions.
