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ban on fossil fuel equipment in new construction

 starting in 2026, part of the state's effort to switch to cleaner energy sources and reduce carbon emissions.

"Just like we had to, a long time ago, transition from coal as your energy source, we do have to transition. There are clean energy alternatives," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul 

said in an interview with Good Day New York

"New buildings that are going up — they can go electric, they can do heat pumps. This is how you transition. Nobody's touching your gas stove," Hochul said. 

The governor's office said New York would be the first state in the U.S. to advance such a ban via legislation. California and Washington have taken similar steps through their building codes, 

On the flip side, at least 23 states have enacted laws that prevent state and local governments from regulating which energy sources homeowners and business owners use, 

 Hochul struck with leadership in the Democratic-controlled legislature last week. 

New gas stoves or propane furnaces would be a thing of the past under the proposal, which would require homes and businesses to be 

 starting in 2026. Existing buildings would be unaffected. 

Any new construction seven stories and under would not be permitted to install fossil fuel equipment, though large commercial or industrial buildings 100,000 square feet or more would be exempt. By 2029, the ban would apply to all new construction. 

New York City — the largest municipality in the U.S. — announced in 2021 that it was 

 on fossil fuels in new construction beginning this year. 

American Gas Association president and CEO Karen Harbert said in a statement that natural gas has helped drive down carbon emissions and that banning it in new buildings would hurt energy customers.

"Any push to ban natural gas would raise costs to consumers, jeopardize environmental progress and deny affordable energy to underserved populations," Harbert said. 

Business and Economic News

Environmental News

Climate

Joe Hernandez

Author

Gov. Kathy Hochul said the move would help the state lower carbon emissions and transition to clean energy sources.

New York state is set to ban fossil fuels in new construction starting in 2026

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