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New York City is banning natural gas hookups for new buildings

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During a demonstration on Centre Street near City Hall Park in New York City, protesters were holding placards calling to stop the Williams natural-gas pipeline.

Michael Brochstein | LightRocket | Getty Images

New York City Council approved Wednesday legislation prohibiting the use of natural gases in new construction. It will greatly reduce the nation’s climate-changing greenhouse gas emission.

Now, the bill is headed to Mayor Bill de Blasio for his signature. After being signed, the bill will become effective for certain buildings below seven stories. It will also go into force for higher-rise buildings in 2027. Exempted from the ban are hospitals, commercial kitchens and laundry rooms.

The law requires that construction projects approved after 2027 use electricity to heat stoves, water heaters, and space heaters. Residents with gas heaters or stoves at home will not lose their rights unless the building is moved.

Buildings in New York City account for about 70% of its greenhouse gases. The ban today will encourage New York to require 70% electricity be generated from renewable sources by 2030. It also plans on achieving a net zero emissions electric sector by 2040.

“If America’s largest city takes this crucial step to prohibit gas usage, then any other city can,” Mayor Bill de Blasio stated in a statement. “This is how we fight climate change locally and make sure that our city remains green for the future.

The bill will cut about 2.1 million tons of carbon emissions by 2040 — equivalent to the annual emissions of 450,000 cars — and save consumers several hundred million dollars in new gas connections, according to a study by the think tank RMI.

A banner is displayed by climate advocates in front of City Hall Park, ahead of the rally celebrating passage of a bill ending gas use in new Manhattan-area buildings. The event was held on December 15, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

REUTERS – ANDREW KELLY| REUTERS

The ban will also minimize the risk of gas explosions and reduce exposure to air pollution that poses health risks to residents, particularly low-income communities of color that are disproportionately exposed to pollution.

Similar policies are being discussed in other parts of the country. Several dozen cities have been affected, including San Francisco and Berkeley in California, San Jose in California, and Cambridge, Massachusetts.Seattle have moved to ban natural gas hook upsAs a means to fight climate change, we need new buildings.

Arizona and Texas, however, have prohibited cities from making such changes. These states claim that the consumers have the right of choosing their energy source.

Real estate groups, the oil and gas sector and the National Grid — the utility that provides the city with natural gas — have strongly opposed the bill, arguing that it will cause a spike in demand for electricity that could prompt winter blackouts.

The legislation is also opposed by those who argue that it will lead to higher heating costs in buildings using electricity as opposed to natural gas.

James Whelan of the Real Estate Board of New York (a trade association representing the real estate sector in New York) stated, “The realty business is dedicated to working with policymakers and developing proven policies that significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Whelan stated that while we recognize that efficient electrification is an essential component in realizing these goals it must be done so that New Yorkers can have affordable and reliable electricity that heats, cools, and powers their homes and businesses.

Michael Giaimo (Northern regional director, American Petroleum Institute), an oil-and gas lobbying group said that the bill had been “rushed through legislative processes without adequate review analysis or debate.”

Giaimo explained that Council members will be able to better understand the benefits of increased electrification, as well as the necessity of having a varied energy mix. Hydrogen and renewable natural gas could play an important role in achieving the city’s emissions reduction goals, while still preserving affordability and consumer choice.

Con Edison, which is also the largest utility in the area and provides electric power, was a supporter of the bill. Some supporters argue that the grid in the city is capable of handling an increase in electricity consumption.

Environment groups celebrated Wednesday’s vote and encouraged New York to follow its lead.

“America’s biggest city is serious about climate change, and today proves it,” said Alex Beauchamp, Northeast Region director of the environmental group Food & Water Watch.

Beauchamp stated, “A gas-free NYC will allow us to deliver better public health outcomes as well as make significant strides in reducing climate-warming emission.” New York and the United States must also follow Beauchamp’s lead.

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