Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday that New York will be the first state to implement a ban on natural gas hookups in new building construction, according to a Fox News report.
The decision is part of the 2024 budget agreement, which prioritizes so-called “climate action” and strives to build a more “sustainable” future for the state.
Under the budget deal, the ban on natural gas hookups will commence in 2025 for small buildings and in 2028 for large buildings.
“Our budget prioritizes nation-leading climate action that meets this moment with ambition and the commitment it demands,” Governor Hochul stated.
The move is a response to the increasing threat of so-called “climate change,” which has been evident in the form of storms, hurricanes, and record snow amounts.
Gov. Hochul emphasized the urgent need for action, saying, “Everyone knows we’ve seen the effects of climate change — the storms, the hurricanes coming to New York, record snow amounts. We’re seeing the effects every single day. Not just here, but across the nation.”
New York is set to lead the way in embracing zero-emission homes and buildings, with Hochul announcing, “We’re going to be the first state in the nation to advance zero-emission new homes and buildings beginning in 2025 for small buildings, 2028 for large buildings. And we have more to do.”
The budget will also grant the New York Power Authority more control over renewable energy development and the shutdown of fossil fuel power plants.
However, both the New York Power Authority and the New York Independent System Operator have expressed concerns that this proposal could harm the state’s electric grid.
In a statement, Hochul reiterated her commitment to making New York more affordable, livable, and safer.
“I promised New Yorkers we’d make our state more affordable, more livable and safer, and this budget delivers on that promise,” she said.
She also praised the collaborative effort of the state leaders, saying, “I am pleased to have reached an agreement with Speaker Heastie and Leader Stewart-Cousins on a transformative budget that improves public safety, transforms our mental health care system, protects our climate and invests in our children’s future.”
While New York will be the first state to impose a statewide ban on natural gas hookups, several Democratic-led cities, including New York City, have already enacted restrictions on gas appliances.
Other states, such as California, have addressed the issue through modifications to building codes.
According to the Energy Information Administration, in 2021, about 60% of New York households relied on natural gas for heating, 20% used heating oil, and only 14% used electricity.
The majority of the electricity used for heating was generated by natural gas power plants.
However, banning gas stoves to combat climate change may not be a practical solution.
The environmental impact of switching to electric stoves depends on how electricity is generated, and if it comes from coal-powered plants, it may be worse for the environment than burning natural gas, according to the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE.org).
In the U.S., only a small percentage of electricity comes from renewables, and banning gas stoves could add stress to the system.
Smart grids and better technology may solve some of these problems, but banning gas-powered stoves before these solutions arrive is not practical.
Symbolic gestures like banning natural gas in homes make little environmental and economic sense and undermine the efforts of those seeking sound environmental policy, FEE notes.
