New York is the first state in the country to ban natural gas and other fossil fuels in most new buildings—a big win for climate advocates, but a move that could trigger a backlash from fossil fuel interests. Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Democratic lawmakers who control New York's Senate and Assembly are facing growing pressure from environmental advocates and climate-focused voters, who approved a new $229 billion state budget late Tuesday that includes the provision. The law bans gas stoves, ovens, and propane heating and effectively encourages the use of environmentally friendly devices such as heat pumps and induction stoves in most new residential buildings across the state. It requires all-electric heating and cooking in new buildings shorter than seven stories by 2026 and for taller buildings by 2029. The state budget doesn't ban gas in all new buildings — there are exemptions for large commercial and industrial buildings, such as stores, hospitals, laundries and restaurants. But the impact on new residential buildings could be significant. According to a 2022 report buildings account for 32 % of global warming emissions in New York State. Methane, the main component of natural gas used as fuel for stoves and home heating, has more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide in the first two decades it is in the atmosphere. For this reason, scientists have narrowed down to fossil fuels as a way to quickly reduce planet-warming pollution. Several studies have also found that gas stoves are responsible for serious health conditions, including asthma. The bill’s passage comes after a federal official’s comments about gas stoves sparked controversy earlier this year. Richard Trumka Jr., the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissioner, sparked a firestorm in January when he said gas stoves were a significant source of indoor air pollution linked to childhood asthma and suggested the agency could work to ban them in new homes. Trumka later clarified his statement, saying the agency “does not plan to go into someone’s home and take away things that are already there.” (Rachel Ramirez and Ella Nilsen, CNN)