New Yorkers Consume relatively less energy in comparison to the average American

New York City is one of the most energy efficient cities in the country. For obvious reasons, the majority of New Yorkers commute to work using public transportation because they have very little use for cars. New Yorkers also live in very tight areas and in apartments that are smaller in size per square foot than in other cities across the country, which contributes to their low levels of electricity consumption. The city also has 11,000 traffic lights and ‘Don’t Walk” signs that use energy efficient “light emitting diodes” that use less energy than the standard lights.
The city government recently put together a project to install new energy appliances like refrigerators in several housing projects throughout the city. With the help of Bloomberg’s Plan NYC, and the NYC EDC, there are new initiatives in place mandating that the government can purchase only efficient cars, air-conditioners, and copy machines that have the highest energy efficient ratings. Most of the federal government buildings in NY, along with the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island are all powered by Wind Energy.

While New Yorkers do their part in energy conservation, there are still several environmental issues that New York City needs to work on. One of the biggest problems in the city is Air pollution. According to the 2009 annual report of the American Lung Association, New York City ranks 22nd of the 25 regions in the United States most affected by year-round particle pollution, and 17th of the 25 most ozone-polluted cities. Subsequently, the residents of Manhattan face the highest risk in the country of developing cancer from chemicals in the air. Bloomberg and the NY EDC are putting together a plan of action to address this issue, but the verdict is still out.