Response to CRA vs Berkeley on Natural Gas Ban
While the state’s CLCPA implementation plan calls for significant steps to decarbonize buildings and other sectors, concerns continue about the electric grid’s ability to meet significant increases in power demand and the impact such bans will have on housing supply, economic development efforts, and overall energy costs.
The Business Council and others have argued for keeping a wide range of options on the table to ensure an affordable, workable transition to a low-carbon economy. The recent decision in California Restaurant Association v. Berkeley calls into question the legality of broad bans on natural gas usage, which have already been adopted in several New York municipalities and remain under consideration in the ongoing budget discussions.
We believe New York’s energy future should include a mix of energy options, emphasizing incentives rather than regulatory restrictions, to avoid undue impacts on residents and businesses.