NY Governor defends gas stove ban, says transition is necessary.

New York Governor Defends Ban on Gas Stoves

The state of New York has passed a controversial bill that bans the use of gas stoves in new buildings. Governor Kathy Hochul defended the move, stating that it is necessary to transition to cleaner energy sources. The bill mandates that new buildings with seven or fewer stories must use induction ranges and electric heat pumps starting in 2026, while larger buildings will make the transition in 2029.

Transitioning to Clean Energy

Governor Hochul compared the transition away from gas stoves to the shift from coal as an energy source. She emphasized that there are clean energy alternatives, but it will take time to make the transition. While New York is the first state to pass such a bill, Democrats and climate activists across the country have been pushing for similar mandates for months.

Existing Buildings Not Affected

The new mandate only applies to new buildings and does not affect any existing structures. Governor Hochul clarified that people with existing gas stoves are welcome to keep them. Critics of the bill argue that it will raise the costs of new construction and strain the electrical grid.

Environmental Concerns

The bill was passed as part of Governor Hochul’s newest budget proposal, with the aim of addressing climate change, which she has called the greatest threat to our planet. However, scientists have questioned the objectivity and accuracy of a study often cited to support the ban, which attributed 13 percent of U.S. childhood asthma cases to gas stoves. The environmental group behind the study worked with the Chinese government to push for an economy-wide transformation away from gas and oil.

Other States Following Suit

Washington State recently updated its building codes to require the installation of heat pumps in new buildings, following in the footsteps of New York. U.S. Consumer Product Safety commissioner Richard Trumka Jr., a Biden appointee, signaled in January that a gas stove ban was “on the table.” The Biden administration’s Energy Department also acknowledged that roughly half of gas stoves on the market would not meet its newly proposed appliance regulations.

Conclusion

While the ban on gas stoves in new buildings is controversial, it is a step towards transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Governor Hochul emphasized that the transition will take time and that people with existing gas stoves are not affected by the new mandate. As other states follow suit, it remains to be seen how this will impact the construction industry and the electrical grid.