Governor Kathy Hochul and state legislators have tentatively agreed to phase out gas hookups in new construction projects in the coming years.
The deal is part of a broader effort to transition the state from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Although pre-existing gas appliances will not be affected, the move signals a commitment to cleaner energy alternatives.
Blair Horner, a representative of the New York Public Interest Research Group, emphasized that while there is no “magic bullet” for climate change, new construction should not rely on fossil fuels.
The tentative agreement, expected to be included in the state budget, would eliminate natural gas hookups in new residential buildings of seven stories or less and commercial buildings under 100,000 square feet by the end of 2026. By 2028, all new construction must forgo gas hookups.
Gov. Hochul acknowledged the need for cost-effective clean energy transitions and assured that the change would not burden ratepayers or consumers.
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