New York has become the first state in the United States to ban the use of natural gas for heating and cooking in new buildings, following the passing of legislation on Tuesday. The move is aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving the environment but has been met with resistance from industry groups who argue it will be costly and excessive.
The provisions, which are included in the state’s $229 billion budget, were approved by both the Democratic-led Assembly and Senate. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and lawmakers agreed to the spending package’s outlines last week.
The law will require new buildings to be constructed with only electric hookups for appliances and utilities starting in 2025. Buildings with less than seven stories will be subject to the law starting in 2026, and the requirements will extend to taller buildings by 2029.
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The move comes amid ongoing public debate over the health and environmental impacts of cooking appliances that burn fossil fuel, and the broader role of natural gas in climate change. Dozens of cities across the United States have already adopted or are considering policies that discourage or ban natural gas in new buildings.
However, the measures have been strongly opposed by gas industry groups, as well as restaurant and appliance lobby groups, who argue that the concerns are overblown.
New York Speaker Carl Heastie described the ban as a necessary step in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, saying, “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.”
Republican New York State Senator Robert Ortt criticized the move as “a first-in-the-nation, unconstitutional ban on natural gas hookups in new construction will drive up utility bills and increase housing costs.”
The new law exempts hospitals, critical infrastructure, and commercial food establishments from the requirements, while buildings, where the local grid is not capable of handling the load, will also be exempt. The legislation will not affect existing buildings or appliances.
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