JUST IN: New York Passes Law Banning Use Of Natural Gas In Buildings

In a landmark decision, New York has become the first state in the US to pass legislation that prohibits the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels in the majority of new buildings. The passing of the law, as part of the state’s $229 billion budget, has the potential to transform the way Americans heat and cook in their homes for years to come. The decision is expected to face legal challenges from the fossil fuel industry.

Under the new law, newly constructed buildings with a height of less than seven stories must use all-electric heating and cooking by 2026, while taller buildings have until 2029 to comply. While certain facilities such as manufacturing plants, restaurants, hospitals, and car washes are exempted, the law does not grant cities and counties the authority to override the ban, which allays concerns from some climate activists.

Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, has defended the ban on gas stoves, stating that it is a necessary step in the transition towards a cleaner energy future.

WATCH:

New York Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul defends banning gas stoves: "This is how you transition!" pic.twitter.com/JHHkomMaNZ

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 3, 2023

“The Democrats enthusiastically pummeling New York into the ground are about to pass a statewide ban of gas hookups on new construction,” former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin tweeted.

“Such a terrible idea! Kathy Hochul and her cohorts are fast tracking the downward spiral of a once greatest state.”

The Democrats enthusiastically pummeling New York into the ground are about to pass a statewide ban of gas hookups on new construction. Such a terrible idea! Kathy Hochul and her cohorts are fast tracking the downward spiral of a once greatest state.

— Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) April 27, 2023

Fox Business reported:

It also moves New York closer to meeting its long-term emissions goals, which includes a 40% drop by 2030, and 85% reduction by 2050.

In February, the Department of Energy (DOE) unveiled regulations targeting stovetops, saying if finalized, they would go into effect by 2027 and save Americans up to $1.7 billion while curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

To achieve the emissions reductions, the rules propose to restrict certain features of natural gas-powered stoves that consumer groups have argued would substantially diminish product quality.

Under the proposal, only about 50% of the gas stoves on the market would be allowed to be sold. The DOE clarified the estimated number of gas stoves it said would meet the new requirements after its own data suggested 96% of gas stoves would be banned under the regulations.

As a result, last month a group of 13 Republican senators filed a letter with the DOE arguing the agency’s proposed regulations would harm Americans and hurt the U.S. economy.

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New York’s decision to ban natural gas in most new buildings could also set a precedent for other blue states to follow. Critics of the law argue that it could lead to higher construction costs and electricity prices, as well as potential reliability issues with the electric grid if too many buildings switch to all-electric power at once.