Democrats Officially Outlaw Gas
This is outrageous.
On Tuesday, New York State implemented a groundbreaking policy, becoming the first state in the US to prohibit the use of fossil fuels, including natural gas, in new constructions. This mandate aims to promote the adoption of renewable energy sources and electricity as the state’s power grid faces capacity constraints.
According to the Washington Post, starting from 2026, the new law mandates that all buildings less than seven stories in height must use all-electric heating and cooking systems. For taller buildings, this requirement will come into effect from 2029. While there are exemptions for specific establishments such as manufacturing facilities, restaurants, hospitals, and car washes, the law does not grant cities or counties the authority to override the ban, which was a concern for some climate activists.
In addition to natural gas and other fossil fuels, the ban also encompasses heating oil and propane, prompting concerns about the future of these energy sources in New York’s rural areas.
According to the Post, natural gas presently constitutes 46% of New York’s power supply. It’s worth noting that the state has already prohibited hydraulic fracturing or “fracking,” the controversial drilling method that has contributed to an oil and gas boom in neighboring Pennsylvania.
Under the control of the Democratic Party, New York State is advancing towards achieving its renewable energy goals. However, unlike California, the state doesn’t receive abundant sunshine and needs to explore offshore wind power expansion, which comes with its own set of environmental risks.
New York consumers are currently facing higher prices, which is partly attributed to the insufficient capacity on the electricity grid. Experts argue that renewable energy projects alone may not be enough to replace the fossil fuels that are being phased out.