New York approaches ban on gas stoves

New York's Democrat-majority Legislature reportedly will advance a ban on gas stoves in nearly all new residential buildings as part of the state's efforts to move away from dependence on fossil fuels.

Such a ban would apply to "fossil fuel equipment," which includes not just gas stoves, but a number of other utilities such as gas heating, plumbing, air conditioning, and lighting, according to the Epoch Times. The ban would take effect on Dec. 31, 2025 for single-family homes and small multifamily dwellings.

Larger multifamily residences and commercial buildings would fall under its purview on Dec. 31, 2028. The ban will likely include exceptions for commercial and medical facilities such as restaurants and hospitals.

The measure is part of New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget blueprint. The state deadline for the budget is April 1.

The prospect of a nationwide gas stove ban drew scrutiny earlier this year amid hints that the Biden administration was contemplating such a rule. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in particular drew ire following comments from Commissioner Richard Trumka Jr., who in January called the appliance a "hidden hazard" and suggested a ban was possible.

"Any option is on the table," he said at the time. "Products that can't be made safe can be banned." CPSC officials have since denied the agency considered a gas stove ban.

"Research indicates that emissions from gas stoves can be hazardous, and the CPSC is looking for ways to reduce related indoor air quality hazards," CPSC Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric said. "But to be clear, I am not looking to ban gas stoves and the CPSC has no proceeding to do so."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.