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NYC Consumer Affairs: Shut The Door When The AC's On

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The New York City consumer affairs department is urging businesses to keep their front doors closed when their air conditioning is on.

Commissioner Julie Menin said a lot of businesses try to lure potential customers inside with cool air on a hot day and that can be harmful to the environment.

"If one business in summer months keeps their doors open it means the unnecessary release of more than 2.5 tons of carbon dioxide and five barrels of oil," Menin said. "Imagine what 1,000 businesses keeping their doors open, or 10,000 businesses."

About 200 volunteers were educating business people Wednesday about the environmental and financial benefits of keeping doors shut.

There's also a move to strengthen the existing law.

Some businesses already are required to close the door when the air conditioning is on. They include chain stores with five or more locations in New York City, and retail businesses that are 4,000 square feet or larger.

Proposed amendments will be introduced at a City Council meeting on Thursday. They would eliminate business size requirements and increase fines.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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