New York is the first state in the country to ban natural gas and other fossil fuels in most new buildings – a major victory for environmental advocates.
Facing increasing pressure from environmental advocates and climate-concerned voters, Governor Kathy Hochul and the Democratic lawmakers, who control the New York Senate and Assembly, approved the new $229 billion state budget containing the new measure on Tuesday night (2).
The law bans gas stoves, furnaces, and propane heating and effectively encourages the use of eco-friendly appliances, such as heat pumps and induction stoves in most new residential buildings across the state. All-electric heating and cooking must be installed in new buildings with fewer than seven stories by 2026 and for taller buildings by 2029.
The state does not prohibit the use of natural gas in all new buildings – there are exceptions for large commercial and industrial buildings such as stores, hospitals, laundries, and restaurants, for example.
But the impact on new residential buildings could be significant. Buildings account for 32% of the emissions responsible for global warming in New York State, according to a 2022 report.
Methane, the main component of natural gas used to power stoves and heat homes, has 80 times more warming power than carbon dioxide in the first two decades it is in the atmosphere. For this reason, scientists have focused on the fossil fuel as a way to quickly reduce pollution that warms the planet. Several studies have also found that gas stoves are responsible for serious health issues, including asthma.
Other cities looking to take similar action have encountered walls ahead. More than a dozen states with Republican-controlled legislatures have passed measures prohibiting cities from banning natural gas.
Source: CNN