New York State is leading the nation in moving to ban gas and other fossil fuels in new buildings.
On Tuesday night, the New York legislature advanced a $229 billion state budget. The budget included a provision to ban gas in most new homes and other construction.
It requires buildings shorter than seven stories to have all-electric heating and cooking by 2026.
For buildings taller than seven stories, the ban would apply beginning in 2029.
It does not allow for cities and counties to override the ban.
However, it does provide exceptions for some establishments such as car washes, hospitals, restaurants, and manufacturing facilities.
Breaking news: New York has become the first state in the nation to pass a law banning natural gas and other fossil fuels in most new buildings, a move that could inspire other states and further erode the residential future of the gas industry. https://t.co/IqAY1iSo4n
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) May 3, 2023
The Washington Post noted the ban is considered a win for climate change activists. It is expected to face legal challenges.
Before the legislature voted on the budget, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) told reporters, “I want to be very clear. I know people love to misinterpret this, but people with existing gas stoves, you’re welcome to keep them.”
“This is where our nation has to go eventually… But I want to make sure that it’s not a bumpy road to the transition,” she added.
The move comes months after a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) commissioner said it was the commission’s job to regulate dangerous products – which could include gas stoves.
Republicans reacted by denouncing the idea of banning gas stoves.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) tweeted, “Don’t tread on Florida, and don’t mess with gas stoves!”
Don’t tread on Florida, and don’t mess with gas stoves! pic.twitter.com/FNETzpuANe
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 12, 2023
“God. Guns. Gas stoves,” tweeted Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio).
God. Guns. Gas stoves.
— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) January 12, 2023
However, CPSC Chairman Alexander Hoehn-Saric said in a statement, “Over the past several days, there has been a lot of attention paid to gas stove emissions and to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Research indicates that emissions from gas stoves can be hazardous, and the CPSC is looking for ways to reduce related indoor air quality hazards.”
“But to be clear, I am not looking to ban gas stoves and the CPSC has no proceeding to do so,” he added.
