Starting in 2026, newly constructed buildings in New York will have to use inductions stoves and heat pumps using electricity. Read to know more about the move based on health and environmental concerns from recent studies.
Why is NY saying no to gas stoves?
On May 2, the state of New York passed its budget featuring a first-of-its-kind requirement banning natural furnaces and gas stoves in new buildings. Governor Kathy Hochucl called it a policy that the US will eventually move towards. “I want to be very clear. I know people love to misinterpret this, but for people with existing gas stoves, you’re welcome to keep them,” stated Gov. Hochucl. Additionally, she emphasized this will not be a “bumpy road to the transition.”
Starting in 2026, new buildings in New York will have to choose induction stoves and heat pumps running on electricity. The installation of fossil-fuel tools in new buildings will be banned. However, the ban on larger buildings begins in 2029. There are exceptions for commercial food establishments in the region. The law is based on the concerns over environment and health from the extensive use of natural gas.
More on the health concerns
Natural gas, extracted from the earth to power appliances has grave effects on the health and environment. It is mainly made up of methane, a greenhouse gas with the capacity of trapping heat in the environment. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), it is a relatively cleaner fossil fuel with fewer emissions compared to petroleum and coal. It also holds back the state from reaching the emission goals.
A study by scientists from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health sent alarms on the use of natural gas in homes. The varying levels of volatile and toxic chemicals were found to have links to cancer. “This study shows that gas appliances like stoves and ovens. They can be a source of hazardous chemicals in our homes even when we’re not using them. These same chemicals are also likely to be present in leaking gas distribution systems in cities and up the supply chain,” explained Jonathan Buonocore. Buonocore is the co-author of the study and a Research Scientist at Harvard.
