NY prohibits gas stoves and furnaces.

New York Passes Law Banning Gas Stoves and Furnaces in New Buildings

The New York legislature has passed new legislation that prohibits gas stoves and furnaces in the majority of new buildings. Governor Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.) and the Democrat-led legislature passed the new $229 billion fiscal year budget on Tuesday night, making New York the first to pass a state law banning gas appliances.

Transitioning to a Healthier Environment

“Changing the ways, we make and use energy to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels will help ensure a healthier environment for us and our children,” New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said.

The measure prohibits the installation of fossil-fuel equipment in buildings of seven stories or less in 2026, with the ban for larger buildings starting in 2029. According to the lawmakers, hospitals, eateries, and structures that are not entirely supported by the electrical grid are examples of exempt buildings. Existing structures are unaffected.

Republican leaders have opposed the initiative to lessen the use of fossil fuel-burning appliances as a violation of consumer and homeowner rights.

Leading the Way to a Green Energy Economy

In January, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissioner Richard Trumka Jr. said that natural gas stoves are “a hidden hazard” and other suggested unsafe products might be banned as well. This announcement came as the Consumer Product Safety Commission had been investigating strategies to lessen risks associated with indoor air quality.

According to their research, gas stoves were to blame for more than 12% of American children’s asthma cases, indoor air pollution, heart problems, cancer, and other illnesses.

“New York State is leading the way in ending America’s devastating addiction to fossil fuels. The rest of the country must now catch up,” said Food & Water Watch Northeast Region Director Alex Beauchamp. “New York’s bold move to become the first state in the nation to prohibit fossil fuels in new construction is undeniably huge. … With all-electric construction, New York will forge the way to a green energy economy with better jobs, cheaper bills, and cleaner, healthier communities.”

Opposition to the Ban

Republican leaders have opposed the initiative to lessen the use of fossil fuel-burning appliances as a violation of consumer and homeowner rights. This has led to criticism of Governor Hochul, with some calling her the “worst governor in America.”

• Lee Zeldin tweeted: “This is how you transition New Yorkers into pissed off New Yorkers, broke New Yorkers, and former New Yorkers. Worst Governor in America!”
• Congressman Nick LaLota tweeted: “The gas stove ban is another nonsensical overreach by the big wigs in Albany. One-party rule has driven residents out of New York and hurt our state. We need to change course before it is too late.”
• Rep. Elise Stefanik tweeted: “Hochul’s gas stove ban is a product of extreme Democrats’ radical climate agenda prioritizing woke goals above the interests of New Yorkers.”

Despite the opposition, New York is taking a bold step towards a greener future.