New York nears deal to ban gas stoves in new homes
Source: By MARIE J. FRENCH, Politico • Posted: Sunday, March 26, 2023
Supporters see the potential law as a national model that they hope can spur similar action by other states and the federal government.
The measures would continue to allow gas stoves in new restaurants, but would ultimately block them in residential and most other new buildings. Details would be worked out by the state’s building codes council.
The proposals face opposition from fossil fuel companies, business groups and homebuilders. Some upstate Democratic lawmakers have concerns about the plan and are sensitive to questions from their constituents about the perceived cost and reliability of electric heating options.
“I would prefer that we incentivize electric buildings, either through tax credits or other proposals, rather than forcing it as an issue because there’s a lot of concern and angst in particular in western New York,” said Assemblymember Monica Wallace (D-Lancaster). “We shouldn’t necessarily ban people from pursuing other options if that’s what they want.”
New York’s climate law mandates steep emissions reductions in the coming years with a goal of net-zero by 2050. A ban on burning fossil fuels in new buildings is recommended by the state’s climate plan that was developed over a multiyear process and approved last December.
New York City has already enacted a ban on fossil fuel combustion equipment including stoves, with exemptions for restaurants and other specific uses, in most new buildings under seven stories starting next year and in 2027 for taller buildings.
The proposed dates for the statewide new requirement differ, as do the height of the buildings that would be captured. The earliest date backed by the state Senate is the beginning of 2025 for residential and buildings below seven stories. Hochul and the Assembly backed banning gas in new homes starting in 2026.