New York is hitting pause on its All-Electric Buildings Act — often called the “gas stove ban” — just weeks before it was set to take effect.
The law, part of the state’s 2019 climate goals, would’ve required new buildings under seven stories to go fully electric starting January 1.
Trade groups challenged the law, arguing it conflicts with federal regulations. Governor Hochul’s team says the delay will help defend the law in court and reduce uncertainty for developers.
But environmental advocates are slamming the move, warning it stalls climate progress. The state plans to resume implementation after a legal ruling.
STATEMENT FROM ASSEMBLY MINORITY LEADER WILL BARCLAY ON DELAY OF ALL-ELECTRIC BUILDINGS ACT
“It is refreshing to see common sense finally prevail here in New York. Democrats’ poorly conceived and financially burdensome All-Electric Buildings Act has been put on pause—and rightfully so. The shortcomings of this plan were clear to Republicans from day one, and experts only added to those concerns, warning that the state was moving far too fast without the infrastructure needed to support such a sweeping mandate. As a result, we have an unaffordable, unreliable electric grid. New Yorkers face enough burdens as it is, and removing natural gas, propane and oil as heating options would only drive costs higher. Families can’t afford another mandate that makes everyday life more expensive and less reliable. New York needs an energy portfolio that is diverse, balanced and rooted in practicality—not blind mandates that put families at risk.”
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