New York Republican Criticizes State’s Plan to Phase Out Gas Stoves

Rob Ortt, leader of the Republican minority in the New York State Senate, has criticized the proposed legislation that will prohibit the installation of gas stoves in new homes in the state. Ortt believes that the regulation would negatively impact the lives of everyday consumers, but not reduce carbon emissions significantly.

The proposed legislation would ban the use of “fossil fuel equipment” and building systems in the construction of new residential, commercial or industrial buildings. Multi-family homes and commercial buildings would be affected the most, starting with the ban from December 31, 2028. The Democrats’ state legislature is considering integrating this legislation into an already proposed budget of $227 billion, focusing more broadly on completely phasing out fossil fuels in the future.

In an interview with Fox News, Ortt referred to the proposed legislation as both ridiculous and an attack on working citizens who pay utility rates. He thinks that it will ultimately drive tax-paying residents and employers out of the state, and lead to higher taxes and decreased energy reliability. He further emphasized that the legislation would not influence climate change adversely.

California and Washington have already limited the usage of gas stoves in newly constructed homes, but by changing building laws rather than creating new legislation. New York state is now contemplating following suit, and if successful, it may provide a model legislation for other states seeking ways to limit the use of gas stoves.

The national debate on reducing carbon emissions has sparked discussions on limiting the use of gas stoves. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has considered a gas stove ban, and in February, the US Department of Energy proposed new regulations for certain gas-powered stoves. Ortt believes that every possible source of energy, including nuclear, natural gas, wind, solar, and electricity, should be considered rather than just restricting the usage of fossil fuels.

While reducing the use of gas stoves may help reduce fossil fuel consumption, it could also have health benefits for families. A study published by the Rocky Mountain Institute in November suggests that almost 13% of childhood asthma cases in the US are due to gas stoves’ use. However, a new review by Catalyst Environmental Solutions contradicts the Institute’s study and suggests that harmful chemicals from kitchens’ food and cooking oils may be a more significant threat to human health than the heat source itself.

From NTD News