Cooling tower inspection certification and penalties (NYC)

Requires NYC cooling tower owners/operators to certify twice yearly (January and July) that towers were inspected, tested, cleaned and disinfected per the NYC Administrative Code. Sets remediation deadlines: maintenance deficiencies within 48 hours; microbe levels posing a serious health threat within 24 hours, with NYC DOB notification. Raises civil penalties to $2,500 (first violation), $7,000 (second/subsequent), up to $12,500 if a violation results in fatality or serious injury. Sponsored by Sen. Cordell Cleare, who drafted it during the 2025 Harlem Legionnaires' outbreak; Assembly sponsor Jordan Wright. Signed Aug 5, 2026.