New York set to become first state to ban gas furnaces, stoves in new buildings

By bellecarter // 2023-05-02

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The state of New York is on the verge of banning natural gas-powered appliances under a budget deal forged by Governor Kathy Hochul and Albany lawmakers. "We're going to be the first state in the nation to advance zero-emissions new homes and buildings," Hochul said. Interestingly, the Democratic governor has gas stoves in her own Buffalo home and the Executive Mansion in Albany while pushing for the gas ban in future buildings through the state budget process. Albany Democrats are expected to approve the electrification push as part of a $229 billion spending deal, which mandates all new buildings under seven stories to be fully electric by 2026 with larger structures set to follow three years later. Exemptions will be made for commercial kitchens, emergency generators and hospitals. Last year, a study from Stanford University found that gas stoves alone produce warming pollution that is tantamount to about a half-million gas-powered cars each week. It also indicated that natural gas could raise levels of nitrogen dioxide, which could cause respiratory issues. Another study also linked indoor gas stove usage to increased risk of asthma among children. Still, there are at least 20 states in the nation that have outright prohibited gas bans, according to S&P Global. And in April, a federal appeals court overturned Berkeley, California's first-in-the-nation ban on natural gas in new construction.

Many New Yorkers are not in favor of the ban

The proposed ban on installing gas furnaces and stoves in new buildings did not sit well with New Yorkers. "Kathy should mind her own business and get out of our kitchens," said Yas Kantakis, a resident of Sutton Place. "Now she's in our kitchens first, our bedrooms will be next. Why would somebody come into your private home and tell you what to do? We're not communist yet – we're getting there –but it's just an insult." Meanwhile, an Upper East Side resident named Ella is very much against the change. "I don't see the benefit. Electric stoves don't cook as well." Also, her 70-year-old neighbor Claire Gozzo commented: "I have electric (stove) in Florida and I hate it, you can't control it. I like gas because you can control it and everything cooks good." Some New Yorkers are just not fully sold on the governor's idea. Elena Adams, 34, of Sunnyside, Queens, said she needs more information about the issue. She also highlighted her broader support for actioning against climate change. "We have an extreme issue with fossil fuels right now and climate change is something we all need to address and take action, but we need to be educated on the benefits of getting rid of gas stoves," she said. Ian Alterman, 64, from Upper West Side, drew a connection between the culture wars battle over gas stoves and a broad problem with political messaging on the political left. "New Yorkers should educate themselves, but the governor has an obligation to message properly so people understand what's going on and why – if that's not happening there's a problem," he said. "It could be a fantastic decision, but I just don't know." According to environmental groups, the details of the plan were still unclear. They were worried it might contain a provision that would allow local governments to effectively veto the measure. But the governor's spokesperson Katy Zielinski denied the allegation. "The new law will not have any loopholes that will undermine the intent of this measure," said Zielinski. "There will not be any option for municipalities to opt-out." In February, a Siena College poll found that only 39 percent of registered voters support banning all fossil-fuel-burning equipment. "People are apt to make choices whether they are located in New York State or somewhere else, and this will provide a further strain on the market until there's certainty about the availability in the grid as we move forward. So that's a real concern," said Joseph Hogan, vice president of building services at the Associated Contractors of New York State. (Related: Another ploy to control people's lives: Biden administration plans to ban gas stoves.) Visit GreenDeal.news for more news related to mandates that ban natural gas-powered appliances. Watch the video below that talks about the gas stove ban in Los Angeles, California. This video is from the Healthy American channel on Brighteon.com.

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Many New Yorkers are not in favor of the ban

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