ALBANY, New York — A federal push to stop states from restricting new fossil-fuel hookups advanced Wednesday as the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 24–21 to send the Energy Choice Act to the full House. If enacted, the legislation would prevent states and municipalities from banning natural gas or propane in new construction — effectively preempting New York’s pending All-Electric Buildings Act before it takes effect.
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.), called the vote a “major victory,” arguing that New York’s natural-gas phaseout threatens affordability and grid reliability. Langworthy said the bill has more than 200 municipal endorsements and 124 House co-sponsors, with a companion measure introduced in the Senate. He urged swift passage, warning that New York’s policy would lead to “higher costs, weaker grids, and winter blackouts.”
New York’s law would prohibit natural-gas and oil-based heating in most new buildings beginning in 2029, though the Hochul administration recently delayed implementation while legal challenges from industry groups proceed. Gov. Kathy Hochul has argued the change is key to public-health improvements and reducing carbon emissions, aligning with environmental groups pushing for statewide building electrification.
Republicans and construction-industry leaders counter that the policy amounts to government overreach that will raise utility prices without materially affecting climate outcomes. Langworthy accused Hochul of planning to delay the law until after the 2026 election, calling federal action “more important than ever.”
The legislation now awaits consideration by the full House.
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