NY State to Ban Gas Hookups in New Construction

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a state budget deal that includes a ban on natural gas in new construction, making it the first state in the US to do so. The proposal has been welcomed by environmental groups but opposed by the oil and gas industry. The ban would not apply to existing buildings and would allow exemptions for facilities that may need multiple power sources for emergency backup power. However, environmental advocates are concerned that a "poison pill" measure favored by the fossil fuel lobby could still be introduced.