New York lawmakers are moving towards a ban on gas stoves and other fossil fuel appliances in most buildings and single-family homes. Democrats in the state have endorsed proposals to prohibit the use of fossil fuel furnaces, water heaters, clothes dryers, and gas stoves in most new construction. The proposal is expected to move forward with the state budget at the end of March.
According to Politico:
New York would be the first to take this step through legislative action; California and Washington have done so through building codes. An agreement has not been finalized to ensure passage, but the new restrictions are included in all three plans being discussed in Albany.
Supporters see the potential law as a national model that they hope can spur similar action by other states and the federal government to limit fossil fuel use in buildings, which are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change.
Pat McClellan, policy director at the New York League of Conservation Voters, believes that New York can set an example for the rest of the country by proving that such a ban can be successfully implemented. If successful, it could open the door for other states to take similar action.
Governor Kathy Hochul has endorsed a ban on gas stoves for new buildings but has allowed existing buildings to keep them. The proposed measure from Democrats would still allow gas stoves in new restaurants due to their efficiency in food preparation.
However, not all Democrats support the ban. Assembly member Monica Wallace recently stated, “I would prefer that we incentivize electric buildings, either through tax credits or other proposals, rather than forcing it as an issue because there’s a lot of concern and angst in particular in western New York. We shouldn’t necessarily ban people from pursuing other options if that’s what they want.”
