The fight against fossil fuels: New York becomes first state to ban gas stoves

New York's Democratic-majority legislature approved Wednesday a law prohibiting gas stoves in the state. Kathy Hochul's government has made good on its promise and has thus become the first to pass such a ban. The law is consistent with the Democrats' goal of ending fossil fuels nationwide.

The law requires all kitchens and household equipment in New York State to be electrically operated by 2026 in buildings up to seven stories, and by 2029 in larger buildings. Some exceptions will apply for commercial premises and restaurants, for example.

The Democratic initiative especially pleases climate activists, who have been calling for years for the elimination of gas stoves in American kitchens. As the first state to pass such a law, it is expected to serve as a test and gauge before reaching other corners of the country.

A target of the Democratic agenda

In Massachusetts, a state law already allowed a dozen localities to ban gas stoves to serve as a test for the rest of the state. Other cities such as San Francisco, Berkley and New York have already taken similar decisions to force citizens to use alternatives such as induction or electric stoves.

The American Gas Association reacted to the New York State ban. Its president, Karen Herbert, said in a statement that legislative initiatives such as the one in New York negatively influence the average price of natural gas, making it much more expensive and prohibitively expensive for consumers. "It jeopardizes environmental progress and deprives disadvantaged populations of affordable energy."

At the federal level, the House of Representatives prevented the Department of Energy from further restricting the use of gas stoves through an amendment. The Republican effort was even supported by some Democratic representatives. The Biden administration's initiative sought a month ago to restrict about 50% of natural gas installations in kitchens.