NEW YORK — Gas and construction trade groups are suing to block New York state’s ban on gas stoves and ovens in new buildings.
The organizations argue that the law violates the federal government’s rules on how gas appliances are regulated and filed the case against New York on Thursday in federal court.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, this spring approved a ban on the installation of fossil fuel equipment in new buildings. It is scheduled to go into effect in 2026 for structures seven stories or less and in 2029 for larger buildings. The law would not apply to existing buildings.
Dozens of Democratic-controlled cities and local governments have passed similar policies, as supporters say they aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve indoor air quality. The rule quickly became a source of partisan outrage over climate change, with Republican officials and other opponents criticizing it as an infringement on consumer choice.
The New York State Department, which is listed as a defendant, declined to comment on the lawsuit.
The case was brought by the National Association of Home Builders and the National Propane Gas Association, among others. It alleges that New York does not have the legal ability to enforce its rule because a pre-existing federal law called the Energy Policy and Conservation Act already regulates energy use policies.
They are asking a judge to rule that the state ban is unenforceable under federal law and to block it before it takes effect.
State law contains exemptions for emergency backup power equipment and for commercial food establishments, laboratories and car washes. New York City is set to begin phasing in a separate set of rules for all-electric new construction next year.
2023-10-13 20:34:26
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