New York Set to Become First State to Ban Natural Gas in New Buildings

New York is on track to become the first state in the country to ban natural gas in new buildings, with Democratic leaders in the legislature and governor’s mansion pledging their support for the controversial policy.

Legislators in the State Assembly and Senate included different versions of the ban—which would effectively require new buildings to use electric heating and stoves instead of natural gas—in their budget proposals, E&E News reported Thursday. Democratic leaders in both chambers support the policy, as does Governor Kathy Hochul (D.), who touted the statewide ban in January. “We are taking these steps now because climate change remains the greatest threat to our planet, and to our children and grandchildren,” she said.

Should New York finalize the ban, it would become the first state in the country to ban natural gas in new buildings. The anticipated move comes amid a political firestorm over gas stoves, which federal regulator Richard Trumka Jr.—a Biden administration appointee—ignited in January when he threatened to ban the appliance. “Any option is on the table,” Trumka said after calling gas stoves a “hidden hazard.” “Products that can’t be made safe can be banned,” he said.

freebeacon.com/energy/new-york-set-to-become-first-state-to-ban-natural-gas-in-new-buildings/