Democrat AGs urge federal regulators to act on gas stoves.

Bill PanMay 10, 2023

New York’s Ban on Gas Stoves Sparks Calls for Federal Action

Gas stoves have been banned in most new buildings in New York, and now attorneys general from several Democrat-led states are urging federal regulators to take further action to warn Americans about the potential health hazards of gas stoves. In a letter to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the legal officers called for “uniform mandatory standards” for gas stove ventilation, including the requirement for a range hood that turns on automatically when a gas stove is in use. They also asked for more informative warning labels on gas stoves to increase consumer awareness of the harms posed by gas stoves.

Why the Concern?

Combustion pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxide (NO2) are linked to respiratory illnesses, especially among children. A 2013 study found that children living in a home with a gas stove are 42 percent more likely to experience asthma symptoms than peers who live in homes with an electric stove. The attorneys general argue that without mandatory standards, voluntary standards cannot claim to be effectively eliminating indoor air pollutants sufficiently to be health protective.

What’s Being Done?

In January, the CPSC issued a request for public input regarding the alleged hazards associated with gas stoves and potential solutions. The agency also said at the time that it is open to a federal level ban on gas stoves. The attorneys general are urging the CPSC to take action to implement mandatory standards for gas stove ventilation and increase consumer awareness of the potential health risks associated with gas stoves.

New York’s Ban

New York became the first U.S. state to ban gas stoves after the Democrat-dominated state Legislature approved a budget proposal that includes a ban that applies to any new construction of buildings less than seven stories high in 2026, with few exceptions. The move was applauded by environmental activists in favor of an aggressive agenda to phase out the use of fossil fuels to combat climate change. However, opponents of the ban have argued that it takes away consumer choice.