New Yorkers May Have To Bid Adieu To Their Wood-Fired Pizzas; Protests Are On

by Tejashee Kashyap
New Yorkers May Have To Bid Adieu To Their Wood-Fired Pizzas; Protests Are On

Classic New York wood-fired pizza is more than just a dish; it’s an emotion that transcends taste buds. The mere mention of this iconic culinary creation can elicit a flood of mouthwatering sensations and evoke a sense of nostalgia. However now,  there’s a new rule proposed that would require pizzerias to evaluate whether they can install emission control devices for their kitchen stoves. In short, this would require restaurants with ovens installed prior to May 2016 to invest in costly emission-control devices. And New Yorkers aren’t happy about it!

New Yorkers Aren’t Happy With This New Rule Involving Pizzerias

At the heart of New York wood-fired pizza is the unmistakable aroma that wafts through the air. And New Yorkers are currently protesting this new change rule. A man was seen tossing slices of pizza at New York City Hall in protest on Monday. It was captured and circulated around social media. The protestor was seen shouting, “Give us pizza or give us death”.

New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has proposed a new regulation that would apply to coal and wood-fired ovens put in place before 2016. It will be necessary for restaurants to assess their exhaust systems to see if they can be equipped with scrubbers that can capture pollution. If such is the case, they will have to install and maintain them. However, less than 100 of the numerous pizza businesses in the city, according to officials, would be impacted. But, these new gadgets seem to be too expensive for small restaurant owners.

According to The New York Post, these devices aim to reduce carbon emissions. They would even control particulate matter by up to 75 per cent. Additionally, Tesla CEO Elon Musk rebuked NYC’s new law. He tweeted that regulation on coal-and-wood-fired pizzerias “won’t make a difference to climate change.”

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What Wood-Fired Pizzas Mean To New Yorkers?

wood-fired pizzas
image credits: Canva

Classic New York wood-fired pizza is a slice of comfort, a taste of home for many. It’s the go-to meal after a long day, a celebration of milestones, and a source of solace during challenging times. For New Yorkers, the pizza slices remind of the resilience and spirit of the city—a city that never sleeps, just like the fires that burn in those wood-fired ovens.

Classic New York wood-fired pizza is more than just the sum of its parts; it embodies a sense of community and tradition. As you step into a pizzeria in the heart of New York City, you become part of a legacy that dates back generations.

So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, indulging in a slice of this iconic pizza is an invitation to immerse yourself in the essence of the city, one bite at a time.

What do you think of this new rule?

Cover image credits: Canva