New York poised to pass first statewide law banning natural gas in new buildings
The sun sets on the skyline of midtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building in New York City on April 23, 2023, as seen from Jersey City, New Jersey.
Gary Hershorn | Corbis News | Getty Images
New York state is poised to become the first state in the country to pass a law banning fossil fuel combustion in most new buildings, getting rid of gas stoves, furnaces and propane heating in favor of climate-friendly appliances like heat pumps and induction stoves.
The law would likely take effect in 2026 for most new buildings under seven stories and in 2029 for larger buildings. Following weeks of negotiations, Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers included the ban in the $229 billion state budget deal, with a final vote to enact the law anticipated this week.
While other states like California and Washington have used their building codes to advance electrification, New York will be the first state to pass a law to advance zero-emissions new homes and buildings. The statewide ban would follow legislation passed by New York City in 2021 that bans natural gas hookups in new buildings by the end of this year.
New York was the sixth-largest natural gas consumer among the states in 2020, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Natural gas fuels 46% of the state’s electricity generation. And in 2021, the residential sector — where three out of every five households use natural gas for heating — comprised over one-third of the natural gas delivered to New York residents, the agency found.
The New York state and New York City zero-emissions building legislation would collectively prevent up to 6.1 million metric tons of carbon emissions by 2040 — equivalent to the annual emissions of just over 1.3 million cars, according to studies by the think tank RMI.
“New York state is leading the way in ending America’s devastating addiction to fossil fuels,” said Food & Water Watch Northeast Region Director Alex Beauchamp. “The rest of the country must now catch up.”
The law could include exemptions for emergency backup generators, hospitals, laundromats and commercial kitchens, and would not apply to existing residences that use gas-powered appliances. Therefore, the ban wouldn’t curb emissions from existing buildings in New York, which account for roughly 32% of the state’s overall emissions.
A statewide ban would bolster New York’s commitment to source 70% of its electricity from renewables like solar, wind and water power by 2030 and achieve a net-zero emissions electric sector by 2040.
“Our budget prioritizes nation-leading climate action that meets this moment with ambition and the commitment it demands,” Hochul said Thursday during a budget speech in Albany.
Prohibiting natural gas from buildings is part of a national movement to curb climate-changing emissions and transition to clean energy, especially amid mounting concerns over the environmental and health impacts related to gas appliances. Some research has found that children in homes with gas stoves are at greater risk of asthma and other health issues.
While environmental groups have celebrated the impending legislation, Republicans have largely condemned bans on gas in new construction as federal overreach. Oil and gas companies, labor unions and business groups have argued that a ban would trigger higher costs for buildings that use electricity for heat compared to those that use gas.
The mandate may also be unpopular with residents. A recent poll conducted by Siena College found that 53% of all New York respondents said they opposed phasing out gas stoves in new homes.
“Democrats strongly support Hochul’s proposal on prohibiting fossil fuel-burning equipment in most new construction within the next several years, however Republicans and independents are even stronger in their opposition,” said Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg.
States including Texas and Arizona have blocked cities from implementing natural gas bans, citing that consumers should have the right to choose their energy sources.
New York’s ban is likely to face legal challenges as well.
Last month, for instance, a federal appeals court ruled that Berkeley, California cannot enforce a ban on natural gas hookups in new buildings, saying a U.S. federal law preempts the city’s regulation. That decision could have ramifications for similar efforts by more than a dozen other cities and counties, including San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, and Cambridge, Massachusetts.
![The Genesis GV60 MIV is one hardcore EV that climbs mountains [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Genesis-GV60-MIV-EV-6.jpeg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
The luxury carmaker channeled its inner superhero with this one. Genesis unveiled the new GV60 Mountain Intervention Vehicle (MIV) this week in Switzerland, an off-road EV that can climb mountains. The concept is designed for extreme rescue missions. Check it out below.
Meet the Genesis GV60 MIV rescue EV concept
Genesis showed off the new GV60 MIV this week at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. Crowds lined up to see it at the AMERON Davos Swiss Mountain Resort, not far from the WEF venue.
Based on its first dedicated EV, the GV60, the concept is designed to tackle extreme terrain and weather on rescue missions.
The purpose-built vehicle gains off-road elements like snow tracks and medical and emergency communication systems for rescue missions on mountains or other extreme terrain. Other upgrades include a custom heavy-duty roof rack and rear hatch rack.
Genesis added large carbon fender flares to warn those nearby and protect the vehicle from damage in extreme weather.
With a fully electric powertrain, the Genesis GV60 MIV has no tailpipe emissions, protecting the environment. It’s also nearly silent, with minimal noise pollution.
Inside, the off-road electric SUV includes custom sports seats, adding to the GV60’s already impressive interior design.
The concept follows the upgraded GV60, revealed earlier this month. Genesis updated it with redesigned front and rear bumpers, more tech, and added luxury.
Like the new 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5, based on the same E-GMP platform, the upgraded GV60 is expected to feature a bigger battery providing more range. Powered by an 84 kWh battery, the 2025MY now has up to 318 miles range, up from 303 miles in the outgoing model (77.4 kWh battery).
The 2025 Genesis GV60 starts at $52,350 in the US and has a range of up to 294 miles. Once the upgraded model arrives in 2026, the electric SUV could have a range of up to 300 miles.
| 2025 Genesis GV60 trim | Range (EPA-est) |
Starting Price* |
| Standard RWD | 294 miles | $52,350 |
| Standard AWD | 264 miles | $55,850 |
| Advanced AWD | 248 miles | $60,900 |
| Performance AWD | 235 miles | $69,900 |
What do you think of the GV60 MIV? Should Genesis get these onto the mountains? Or should it stick to on-road luxury cars? Let us know in the comments.
Ready to try out the electric luxury SUV for yourself? With the 2025 models arriving, Genesis is offering generous discounts on the 2024 lineup while they are still in stock. You can use our link to find offers on 2024 and 2025 Genesis GV60 models at a dealer near you today.
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Rivian (RIVN) already has several automakers reaching out about potential supply deals for software and other EV tech. According to Rivian’s Chief Software Officer, Wassym Bensaid, its new partnership with Volkswagen has other OEMs “knocking on our door.”
Will Rivian and VW supply EV tech to other automakers?
After launching “Rivian and VW Group Technology, LLC,” their new software and EV joint venture in November, the collaboration is already showing potential.
Bensaid, who co-leads the new joint venture with VW’s Casten Helbing, said in an interview on Thursday (via Reuters) that the collaboration is in talks with at least a few other automakers over potential supply deals for software and EV architecture.
“I’d say that many other OEMs are knocking on our door,” he said. Although no names or other details were revealed, Bensaid added that “there is demand.”
The software leader explained that Rivian is prioritizing its smaller, more affordable R2 until 2027 while integrating the new tech into upcoming VW, Audi, Porsche, and Scout brand EVs.
Bensaid added that the new JV “today becomes one of the key partners” for other automakers who want to “make a leap from a technological standpoint.”
Last week, German news outlet Spiegel reported that VW could expand the partnership with Rivian. Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said, “We are thinking about sharing modules and bundling purchasing volumes.”
VW is already planning to invest $5.8 billion, which, according to Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, is a “meaningful financial opportunity.”
Rivian is already using the platform and software stack on its Gen 2 R1S electric SUV and R1T pickup, a drastic upgrade from the previous version. The architecture uses seven electronic control units (ECUs), down from 17 in the Gen 1 models.
The new models also include Rivian’s new in-house autonomy system, the Rivian Autonomy Platform, which consists of 11 cameras, five radars, and other features for added driver assist (ADAS) features.
At the opening of the new Rivian Space in San Francisco on Thursday, Scaringe said the company plans to roll out hands-free driving this year. It’s expected to be similar to Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (FSD). In 2026, Rivian will launch an “eyes-free” system as it advances new tech and software.
Electrek’s Take
The JV with Volkswagen could be significant for Rivian as it looks to accelerate growth in 2025. After shutting down its Normal, IL manufacturing plant last April for upgrades, Scaringe said the company is already seeing “a meaningful reduction” in material costs.
Rivian’s R2, starting at around $45,000, is expected to open an entire new market. Analysts expect the VW partnership to provide enough funding for the R2 to enter production, which is expected in the first half of 2026.
Last week, Rivian closed its loan agreement with the US Department of Energy (DOE) for up to $6.6 billion in financing for its new manufacturing plant in Georgia. The EV maker has already started hiring construction and management workers, with recruitment “expected to ramp quickly.”
Will Rivian’s EV architecture and software “become the platform of choice in the Western world” aside from Tesla? That’s what Canaccord Genuity analysts said in a note to investors.
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