New York nears deal creating first ban in the country on gas stoves for new homes

Lawmakers in New York are gearing up to enact legislation that would prohibit gas stoves from being used in new buildings, including new single-family homes and new commercial properties.

Should the proposal — included in the state budget that's due March 31 — receive a nod from Empire State lawmakers, it would be the first piece of legislation in the nation to target gas and fossil fuel appliances.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and many of her fellow Democrats in the state legislature have signaled support for proposals that would prevent the use of water heaters, fossil fuel furnaces and gas stoves in a majority of new construction.

Despite pushback from some Republicans over the state's proposal, as well as Energy Sec. Jennifer Granholm's declaring Thursday that "there's no ban on gas stoves" at a federal level, New York lawmakers are poised to pass the legislation barring the use of certain gas-related utilities in new homes.

ENERGY SECRETARY GRANHOLM INSISTS GAS STOVE STANDARDS WILL ONLY IMPACT HIGH-END MODELS: 'THERE'S NO BAN'

While other states like California and Washington have taken similar action through building codes, New York would become the first state to do so with a legislative measure.

Hochul offered support for a ban of fossil fuel-based heating equipment during her State of the State address in January. The governor proposed abolishing the sale of gas-powered appliances and banning their installation in new buildings by 2025.

AMERICAN GAS ASSOCIATION FIRES BACK ON POTENTIAL GAS STOVE BAN: 'NOT SUBSTANTIATED BY SOUND SCIENCE'

Should it pass, the proposal would not apply to existing homes that use gas stoves or other gas-powered appliances. However, the state's climate plan could take such steps in the future.... (Read more)

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