HI INDIA NEWS DESK

NEW YORK, NY- New York state is set to enact the nation’s first legislative ban on gas and fossil fuel appliances in new buildings, including single-family homes. The ban has been supported by Governor Kathy Hochul and Democrats in both chambers of the state Legislature and is expected to be included in the state budget due March 31. California and Washington have already imposed similar restrictions through building codes.

The ban aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and serves as a model for other states and the federal government to limit fossil fuel use in buildings. The ban faces opposition from fossil fuel companies, business groups, and homebuilders. The state’s climate plan recommends the ban and mandates steep emissions reductions with a goal of net-zero by 2050. New York City has already enacted a ban on fossil fuel combustion equipment in new buildings, with exceptions for restaurants and other specific uses. The ban will take effect at different dates, with the earliest being the beginning of 2025 for residential and buildings under seven stories, backed by the state Senate.