NY Climate Activists Say Gov. Hochul’s Proposed Gas Ban is Too Slow, Urge Immediate State Action

Statewide Coalition Calls on Governor, Legislature to Enact Gas Ban in One Year Via Budget, Oppose Weakening New York City’s Historic Action

Published Jan 5, 2022

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Climate and Energy

Statewide Coalition Calls on Governor, Legislature to Enact Gas Ban in One Year Via Budget, Oppose Weakening New York City’s Historic Action

Statewide Coalition Calls on Governor, Legislature to Enact Gas Ban in One Year Via Budget, Oppose Weakening New York City’s Historic Action

After a successful campaign to pass a ban on gas in new construction in New York City, climate activists are pressing for rapid state-level action to enact a gas ban statewide. The move would make New York the first state in the country with a statewide gas ban, combating climate change, cutting deadly local air pollution, and creating jobs. Eric Weltman, Senior Organizer for Food & Water Watch said:

“The threat of climate change demands rapid action to move New York off fossil fuels, but Hochul is moving dangerously too slow. We don’t have time to wait on banning gas in buildings statewide. Governor Hochul is right to stand with New Yorkers and her own Climate Action Council in supporting a ban on gas in new construction, but she must accelerate the timeline. Hochul’s proposal would take effect by or in 2027, slower than New York City’s newly-passed gas ban or even what the Climate Action Council proposed. Governor Hochul must act quickly, enacting the statewide gas ban through the state budget — now.” 

The #GasFreeNY campaign urges Governor Hochul to incorporate S6843A/A8431 (Kavanagh/Gallagher) into the state’s budget, enabling an immediate gas ban at the state level that would take effect in one year on new permits, as in other jurisdictions. 

Additionally, the state must not preempt stronger local gas bans on new construction by any municipality, including New York City.

“We urge Governor Hochul to incorporate gas ban legislation (S6843A/A8431) sponsored by Senator Brian Kavanagh and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher into the state budget. The state should act immediately. There is no time to waste in the climate crisis and a gas ban also creates good jobs while cutting deadly air pollution. If the legislation passes, New York State would become the first state to end gas use in new construction, which has been enacted at the municipal level by over 50 localities nationwide to date, including New York City, San Jose, Sacramento, Oakland, and Seattle,” said Megan Ahearn, Program Director for the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG).  

The #GasFreeNY campaign, which is expected to grow rapidly in the wake of climate activists landmark NYC-level victory, is composed of Earthjustice, Food & Water Watch, New York Communities for Change and NYPIRG.

Contact: Phoebe Galt, [email protected]

Press Contact: Phoebe Galt [email protected]

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