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NYC Regulation Targeting Matzah Bakeries Takes Effect

March 21, 2025 from FrumNews.com:

"As Pesach approaches, a new New York City decree went into affect threatening the closure of Brooklyn's Matzah Bakeries. Askunim from all NYC communities are urgently trying to find a compromise to keep NYC Matzah Bakeries open

"A new controversial New York City environmental regulation that went into effect, would threaten Brooklyn's beloved matzah bakeries for Pesach

"The new rule introduced by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection requires coal and wood-fire pizza stores and eateries including matzah bakeries to install a very costly emission control system to cut their smoke pollutants by 75%.

"The very costly filters would raise the cost of matzah much higher, matzah bakeries warn. Likely leading to the closure of most New York City Matzah Bakeries and having them relocated to more business friendly territories.

"As the new NYC rules were introduced, Mayor Eric Adams also weighed in, urging a path of compromise. 'We don't want to hurt businesses in the city, and we don’t want to hurt the environment. So, let's see if we can find a way to get the resolutions we're looking for'.

"NY Republican Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo, who proudly represents the growing Frum community in Staten Island, is trying to fight this. He proposed a new compromised bill, 'Preserving Our Culinary Traditions Act'; which would waive the restrictions on burning wood, coal, natural gas, or other fuels to cook or prepare food.

"Assemblyman Pirozzolo argues that this rule is anti-business and would do little to actually help the fight against pollution and global warming. He points out that Governor Hochul's controversial bill to ban gas stoves and furnaces from new buildings gave an exception to existing restaurants, which this bill doesn't, so why not here.

"FrumNews.com has confirmed that many prominent Askunim from all NYC Jewish communities are actively in-communication with city officials trying to find a middle ground that would keep the NYC Matzah Bakeries open."