Governor Kathy Hochul has decided to delay the start of New York’s all-electric building law, which was supposed to begin next year. The decision came because a court case challenges the law.
The law, known as the All-Electric Buildings Act, was passed in 2023. It requires new buildings under seven stories to use only electric heating and appliances instead of gas or oil. The rule was set to start in 2026 while taller buildings would have followed in 2029 with exceptions such as hospitals and restaurants.
Earlier this week, the state agreed in a court filing to hold off on enforcing the law until a federal appeals court makes a decision in an ongoing lawsuit. The case was brought by several trade and construction groups that argue the law violates federal rules and could increase housing costs. Until the court rules, the law will not take effect.
“The nation’s energy policy cannot be dictated by state and local governments; such a patchwork approach would be the antithesis of a national energy policy,” they said in the lawsuit.
Governor Hochul’s office said the delay doesn’t mean the state is giving up on its climate goals. A spokesperson said the administration remains committed to reducing emissions from buildings.
“The governor remains committed to the all-electric-buildings law and believes this action will help the state defend it, as well as reduce regulatory uncertainty for developers during this period of litigation. Governor Hochul remains resolved to providing more affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for New Yorkers,” said Hochul’s senior communications advisor on energy and environment Ken Lovett.
Environmental groups reacted with disappointment. Some activists accused the governor of giving in to the pressure.
“It is a sad day for New York state. I cannot stop thinking about how many years, years have been spent on research, scientific, economic, global best practices,” said Assemblymember Emily Gallagher. “Years of state taxpayer money, years of grant money and research and time and expertise, all to be thrown in the garbage because of fearmongering.”
Those against the law argue that moving too fast could hurt the construction industry and make new housing more expensive.
“The shortcomings of this plan were clear to Republicans from day one, and experts only added to those concerns, warning that the state was moving far too fast without the infrastructure needed to support such a sweeping mandate,” said state Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay in a statement. “As a result, we have an unaffordable, unreliable electric grid.”
The law still exists and will eventually take effect once the court case is resolved. For now, New York’s move to make new buildings all-electric is on hold until judges decide what comes next.
