New York state is banning natural gas stoves and furnaces in most new buildings in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York state is banning natural gas stoves and furnaces in most new buildings, a policy that's part of a national movement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The law negotiated by Gov. Kathy Hochul and her fellow Democrats in the Legislature is part of the state budget and puts New York in the forefront of states targeting emissions from buildings. When the phase-in starts in 2026, newly constructed buildings will have to forego fossil fuel equipment in favor of devices like induction ranges and heat pumps that run on electricity. The state mandate applies only to new construction and does not affect existing buildings. "I want to be very clear. I know people love to misinterpret this, but people with existing gas stoves, you're welcome to keep them," Hochul told reporters Tuesday, before lawmakers began voting on the budget. "This is where our nation has to go eventually," she said "But I want to make sure that it's not a bumpy road to the transition." The budget bill with the ban was approved by lawmakers Tuesday night. Other budget bills still needed to be considered. Government efforts to wean society off of fossil fuel-burning equipment — especially gas stoves — have been slammed by Republican officials and other opponents as heavy-handed infringements on consumer choice. But environmentalists say climate goals can't be reached without addressing homes…