A new bill signed by Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul makes New York the first state in the nation to ban natural gas stoves in new construction buildings.
New York has become the first state in the nation to enact a law banning natural gas stoves in new construction buildings.
Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Democratic-controlled State Legislature added the ban to the state’s budget, which was passed this week.
In two years, newly constructed smaller buildings will no longer be allowed to have gas hook-ups with the ban extending to larger buildings under construction by 2029.
Hochul hailed the plan as a way to cut greenhouse gas emissions from homes and businesses by ridding buildings of natural gas, heating oil and propane, in order to reduce climate change.
Critics say the state ban will drive up energy costs while depriving many New Yorkers of their right to use gas stoves. They also question whether heats pumps can keep people warm in places with frigid winters, like upstate New York.
Despite her advocacy for banning gas in new buildings, Hochul has chosen to maintain gas stoves both in her Buffalo residence and the Executive Mansion in Albany.
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