Following in the footsteps of green cities like San Francisco, New York City voted last week to pass a bill that will ban fuel-burning systems, like stoves and heaters, from all new construction. A huge source of emissions and indoor air pollution, gas stoves are being replaced with electric models for the sake of the planet and our health, pushed by a rise in viable electric alternatives.
The new law will prevent the installation of gas systems in new buildings and renovations starting in 2024. Projects over even stories will have until 2027 to comply. Fossil fuels burned in buildings are New York City’s largest source of emissions, estimated to be around 42 percent of total emissions, so banning the use of gas, propane, and fuel oil will make a big dent in the Big Apple’s carbon footprint.
In addition to environmental benefits, a peer-reviewed study found that gas use in buildings led to an estimated 1,114 premature deaths in 2017 and was associated with $12.5 billion in health impacts like asthma. These issues are more prevalent in low income communities where small units and poor ventilation exacerbates indoor air pollution.
Some businesses have expressed concerns about overwhelming the grid with non-gas systems, but a study from the Urban Green Council found that a switch to all-electric appliances wouldn’t pose a significant issue. Modern technologies like heat pumps and induction stoves have also improved greatly in the last few years, making it easy and comfortable to transition to non-gas systems.
