Protesters were seen holding signs calling for the shutdown of the Williams (aka “Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Pipeline” during a protest on Center Street near City Hall Park in New York City.
Michael Brochstein | LightRocket | Getty Images
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New York City Council on Wednesday voted to pass a law banning the use of natural gas in most new construction, a move that will dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the city’s most populous city. country.
The bill now goes to Mayor Bill de Blasio’s office for signature. Once signed, the measure will come into force at the end of 2023 for certain buildings with less than seven floors, and in 2027 for taller buildings. Hospitals, commercial kitchens and laundromats are exempt from the ban.
By law, construction projects submitted for approval after 2027 must use sources such as electricity for stoves, radiators and water heaters instead of gas or fuel oil. Residents who currently have gas stoves and heaters in their homes will not be affected unless they move to a new building.
New York City buildings account for about 70% of its greenhouse gases. Today’s ban will likely advance New York State’s requirement to get 70% of its electricity from renewable sources like solar, wind and hydro by 2030 and achieve a net zero emission electricity sector by 2040.
“If America’s largest city can take this critical step to ban the use of gas, any city can do the same,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement. “This is how we fight climate change at the local level and guarantee a green city for generations to come. “
The bill will reduce approximately 2.1 million tonnes of carbon emissions by 2040 – the equivalent of the annual emissions of 450,000 cars – and save consumers several hundred million dollars in new connections to the grid. gas, according to a study by the RMI think tank.
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Climate advocates stand next to a banner ahead of a rally in City Hall Park to celebrate the passage of a bill to end gas consumption in new buildings in Manhattan, New York, States United, December 15, 2021. REUTERS / Andrew Kelly
ANDRÉ KELLY | REUTERS
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The ban will also minimize the risk of gas explosions and reduce exposure to air pollution that poses health risks to residents, especially low-income communities of color who are disproportionately exposed to Pollution.
Similar policies have been debated across the country. A few dozen cities, including San Francisco, Berkeley and San Jose in California; Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Seattle, have decided to ban natural gas connections in some new buildings to fight climate change.
However, states like Texas and Arizona have banned cities from implementing such changes, citing that consumers have the right to choose their energy sources.
Real estate groups, the oil and gas industry and the National Grid – the utility that supplies the city with natural gas – have strongly opposed the bill, arguing that it will cause an increase in demand for electricity that could cause power outages in winter.
Opponents also argue that the legislation will result in higher costs for buildings that use electricity for heating compared to those that use natural gas.
“The real estate industry is committed to working with policymakers to develop proven policies that dramatically reduce carbon emissions from the built environment,” said James Whelan, chairman of the Real Estate Board of New York, a trade association for the real estate sector of the city.
“While we know that the efficient electrification of buildings is an important part of achieving these goals, these policies must be implemented in a way that ensures New Yorkers have reliable, affordable and carbon-free electricity. to heat, cool and power their homes and businesses, ”said Whelan.
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Michael Giaimo, Northeast Regional Director of the American Petroleum Institute, an oil and gas pressure group, said the bill was “rushed through the legislative process without proper review, analysis or debate.” ».
“With more time and studies, we believe that the Council will better appreciate the impact of increased electrification as well as the importance of a diversified energy mix,” said Giaimo. “Hydrogen and renewable natural gas can play a vital role in the pursuit of the city’s emission reduction targets while maintaining affordability and preserving consumer choice.
Con Edison, the city’s other large utility company that provides electricity in addition to gas, has been a supporter of the bill with some green building groups and energy analysts. Supporters have argued that the city’s grid is well equipped to cope with increased demand for electricity.
Environmental groups celebrated the vote on Wednesday and urged New York state and the country to follow in his footsteps.
“America’s largest city takes climate change seriously and is proving it today,” said Alex Beauchamp, Northeast region director for environmental group Food & Water Watch.
“With a gas-free NYC, we can achieve better public health outcomes and make real progress in reducing global warming emissions,” Beauchamp said. “Then New York State and the nation must follow suit. “
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