N.Y. governor calls for ban on natural gas in new buildings

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to end the use of natural gas in new buildings, according to a recently released policy blueprint.

Hochul’s proposal follows a move by New York City last month to enact a gas ban on new construction. Hochul’s plan would require that all newly constructed buildings emit zero on-site greenhouse gas by 2027.

The state plan would also require energy benchmarking for all large buildings. The governor’s blueprint sets a goal of 2 million electrified homes by the end of the decade, with at least 800,000 of those homes aimed at low- and middle-income residents. Buildings are the biggest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in the state, at 32%, according to a 2021 statewide emissions report.

New York City’s ban would take effect in December 2023 for buildings of six stories or less, and in 2027 for taller buildings. New York is the largest city in the United States to adopt a ban on new gas hookups.