New York Set to Become First State to Ban Natural Gas in New Buildings

Democratic leaders in the legislature and governor’s mansion back a ban

New York is set to become the first country state to ban natural gases in new buildings. Democratic leaders from the legislature and governor have already pledged support for the controversial policy.

Legislators in the State Assembly and Senate included different versions of the ban—which would effectively require new buildings to use electric heating and stoves instead of natural gas—in their budget proposals, E&E News reported Thursday. Both Democratic leaders in both chambers of Congress support the policy as does Governor Kathy Hochul (D.), which touted the ban in January. “We are taking these steps now because climate change remains the greatest threat to our planet, and to our children and grandchildren,” She said.

New York could become the first country to ban natural gases in new buildings if the ban is approved. The anticipated move comes amid a political firestorm over gas stoves, which federal regulator Richard Trumka Jr.—a Biden administration appointee—ignited in January when he threatened to ban the appliance. “Any option is on the table,” Trumka stated that after calling gas stoves a “hidden hazard.” “Products that can’t be made safe can be banned,” He stated.

The White House quickly distanced themselves from these comments. However, Karine Jean-Pierre, press secretary, stated that the president made those remarks. “does not support banning gas stoves,” Biden’s administration continued to target gas stoves by imposing climate change-focused regulations. In February, President Joe Biden’s Energy Department published an analysis stating that its proposed efficiency regulations for cooking appliances would prohibit half the gas stoves sold on the U.S. markets. Trumka also called this move a vote by the Consumer Product Safety Commission to solicit public input about gas stoves. “an important milestone on the road to protecting consumers from potential hidden hazards in their homes—the emissions from gas stoves.”

New York’s proposed ban on marijuana will be met with fierce resistance from Republicans who claim that it is a sign of Democratic desire to prohibit the practice. “to control every aspect of your life.” But climate activists hope that a New York Natural Gas Ban would help make this policy more popular, and inspire other states to do the same.

“If New York state is able to pass a building electrification requirement at this scale,” Amy Turner, Columbia University senior fellow, told Politico, “it will show other states around the country that this is not so scary, that it’s politically possible, it’s technically possible.”