New York set to implement first statewide ban on gas stoves in new buildings
By Ana Yoo
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new budget deal on Thursday that would include a statewide ban on the use of natural gas in new constructions.
New York City already passed a similar law in 2021, banning gas hookups in all new buildings under seven stories. The ban will take effect this December.
Natural gas is used in many American households for heating or cooking, and a ban may adversely affect businesses in the food industry, especially Asian restaurants that rely on natural gas for heating kitchen utensils or for barbecuing. The bill, however, could potentially include exemptions for commercial kitchens, along with hospitals and emergency backup generators.
Previous bans have already taken place in cities in California, Massachusetts and Washington.
The city council of Los Angeles voted to ban natural gas in new buildings last year, with the ban going into effect this January.
Those affiliated with Asian restaurants in L.A. expressed concerns last year when the ban was passed. Many Asian cuisines, like Chinese and Korean cooking, require the high heat of natural gas for cooking dishes with woks or other appliances.
If passed, New York would become the first state to ban natural gas and represent a larger, nationwide effort to reduce fossil fuel consumption and emissions.
Voting on the deal is expected to take place next week.
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