In an effort to combat the recent decree from New York City targeting renowned pizza establishments that utilize coal and wood-fired ovens, a new alliance has been formed. Led by lobbyist Brad Gerstman, a self-proclaimed pizza enthusiast, the “New York City Pizza Alliance” aims to thwart the concerted attempt to suppress and undermine the use of such ovens in pizza-making. Alongside lawyer Nina Marinaro and various pizza makers, Gerstman is committed to preserving this traditional baking method.
The city’s Department of Environmental Protection has proposed new regulations that would mandate a reduction of up to 75% in particulate emissions for eateries using coal and wood-fired ovens installed prior to May 2016. Restaurateurs argue that complying with these rules would require significant investment, with the installation of air filtration systems estimated to cost at least $20,000 to effectively diminish smoke emissions. However, it is important to note that the proposed rule is currently open for public comment and not yet finalized, as emphasized by Mayor Eric Adams and DEP officials.
The genesis of this proposed regulation can be traced back to Local 38 of 2015, approved during former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s tenure, with the intention of reducing emissions. The DEP predicts that less than 100 restaurants would be affected. However, the heat is on for some of New York City’s oldest and most iconic pizza establishments, renowned for their delicious coal and wood-fired pies. Among them are Lombardi’s in Little Italy, Arturo’s in Soho, John’s of Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village, Macoletta in Astoria, Patsy’s in Turtle Bay and the Upper West Side, Paulie Gee’s in Greenpoint, Grimaldi’s near the Brooklyn Bridge, and Totonno’s in Coney Island.
Gerstman, who playfully claims Italian heritage due to his vast pizza consumption, argues that the emissions regulation is an excessive green initiative that leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. According to him, the smoke emitted from these pizzas is inconsequential in the grand scheme of emissions. To him, this exemplifies the administration’s disregard for the future of these small businesses and their historical and cultural significance, as well as their blatant apathy towards these establishments.
The proposed regulation has sparked a backlash, with prominent figures like Elon Musk, CEO of Twitter and electric car manufacturer, and Scott LoBaido, a conservative artist known for his controversial works, voicing their opposition. LoBaido made a statement by throwing 48 slices of pizza in protest at City Hall Park, proclaiming, “Give me pizza or give me death!”
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