News Summary
New York’s upcoming natural gas installation ban for new construction has sparked controversy, with Republican Representative Nick Langworthy pushing for a reversal. The phased implementation of the ban, aimed at promoting clean energy, is set to begin shortly and has drawn criticism from builders who fear it could raise housing costs and limit options. supporters argue that transitioning to all-electric homes will help meet emissions targets. Langworthy’s proposed Energy Choice Act aims to give consumers more say in their energy sources.
New York is facing a significant deadline regarding the prohibition of natural gas installations in new construction. Republican U.S. Representative Nick Langworthy is actively advocating for the reversal of this policy, which could have profound implications for builders and homeowners across the state. The ban is set to take effect in phases starting January 1 and will be fully implemented by 2028.
Langworthy is preparing to introduce federal legislation aimed at overriding the state’s ban on natural gas, which aims to align with clean energy goals and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This legislation is part of the last year’s budget discussions and reflects a broader trend towards sustainable building practices in New York.
The New York State Builders Association has voiced strong criticism of the ban, stating that it could limit consumer choices and potentially increase housing costs. Phil Nanula, president of Essex Homes, is actively constructing new homes in Erie County with natural gas hookups, opposing the elimination of gas as an energy source in residential buildings.
Supporters of the ban, including environmental organizations and Governor Kathy Hochul, argue that transitioning to all-electric homes is a crucial step towards reducing the state’s emissions and achieving clean energy mandates. They assert that electric homes are cheaper to build and operate over time, providing safety and affordability advantages for consumers.
In response to concerns from builders like Nanula, Langworthy’s proposed Energy Choice Act aims to ensure that local governments cannot impose similar bans on essential energy sources like natural gas and propane. Langworthy emphasizes the importance of allowing Americans to choose their energy sources rather than having them dictated by government regulators.
Critics of the ban suggest that it could hinder the production of affordable housing, a sentiment echoed by several builders in the region. Governor Hochul’s advisor, Ken Lovett, countered this criticism by highlighting ongoing affordability initiatives within the state’s budget aimed at making housing more accessible and sustainable.
Langworthy intends to bring his legislation forward in committee as Congress resumes in the coming month, anticipating a debate on energy policies that could affect millions of Americans. This push reflects a larger struggle between traditional energy sources and the drive for sustainable alternatives in building and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, ongoing construction projects in Pennsylvania are set to influence local traffic and service dynamics. United Gas Improvement (UGI) is in the process of upgrading its natural gas systems in Lancaster, with construction occurring Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The project is expected to conclude by the end of September.
Additionally, a natural gas pipeline expansion in East Drumore Township, which includes the addition of a new compressor station, is anticipated to last approximately six months. This expansion is vital for ensuring reliable natural gas service but will also necessitate alterations to local infrastructure, potentially leading to road closures and detours.
UGI’s natural gas main replacement project has recently commenced in Lancaster, with plans for completion by the end of September, and these upgrades will be financed entirely by UGI without taxpayer funding. Residents may experience some interruptions to their natural gas service during the construction phase, as the infrastructure is enhanced to serve over 760,000 customers in the region.
As these developments unfold, the conversation around energy sources for homes continues to be a contentious issue, with significant implications for the housing market and the environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WGAL: Lancaster traffic increases as UGI upgrades natural gas systems
- Wikipedia: Natural gas
- Lancaster Online: Natural gas pipeline project coming to southern Lancaster County
- Google Search: Natural gas installations New York
- WGAL: Lancaster City traffic delays expected as UGI announces natural gas upgrades
- Google Scholar: Natural gas infrastructure
- Lancaster Online: Lancaster County residents can weigh in on UGI request to boost natural gas bills
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Natural gas
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
