Multiple industry groups, including the National Association of Home Builders and the National Propane Gas Association, have initiated legal action to challenge the contentious state ban on gas stoves and furnaces in New York. This ban aligns with actions taken by numerous Democrat-controlled cities and local governments to combat perceived climate change risks.
The complaint, filed on October 12, alleges that New York State’s prohibition of gas stoves and related appliances in new constructions contravenes federal regulations. The plaintiffs, comprising various trade unions, assert that the ban violates existing federal laws and would negatively impact businesses, leading to potential layoffs and increased energy costs.
“Hundreds of plumbers on Long Island rely on new construction to feed their families and pay their mortgages,” said Jimmy Russo, president of the Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island, in a statement. “This illegal law has basically ripped the rug out from underneath them.”
Environmental groups criticized the lawsuit, citing climate change.
“Don’t believe the wealthy fossil fuel industry’s lies—lives, livelihoods, and wallets are already hugely impacted by climate change, and the All-Electric Buildings Act is critical to protecting all of these for New Yorkers,” a coalition of environmental groups, including the Gas Free NY alliance and Earthjustice, said in a statement.
In May, New York achieved the distinction of being the inaugural state in the United States to enact a ban on natural gas appliances and infrastructure. This milestone was reached when the state Legislature passed a new state budget, which included a restriction on the use of fossil fuel combustion in the majority of new constructions, effective from 2026.
This regulation bars the installation of fossil fuel-based equipment in new structures below seven stories by 2026 and extends this requirement to taller buildings by 2029, essentially mandating the use of all-electric heating and cooking.
Certain establishments, such as hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and restaurants, are granted exceptions. Additionally, existing buildings are not subject to this ban.
“Everybody who has a gas stove—enjoy it. Keep your gas stove,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an appearance on FOX 5’s “Good Day New York” on May 2, 2023. “But new buildings that are going up, they can go electric, they can do heat pumps.”
