On July 25, New York’s State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council approved final rules mandating all-electric construction for new buildings, making it the first U.S. state to prohibit fossil fuels like gas in most new developments. The regulation, stemming from the 2023 All-Electric Buildings Act, targets buildings up to seven stories or 100,000 sq ft starting December 31, 2025, and extends to larger structures by 2029.
Legislators including Assemblymember Emily Gallagher praised the move as a critical step in reducing building-related emissions, which account for 31% of New York’s carbon output. Gallagher said, “I’m excited that we are finally tackling, statewide, our largest source of fossil-fuel emissions.” The shift comes as federal support for renewable initiatives wanes, positioning New York as a leader in climate-forward regulation.
The code promotes heat pumps and electric appliances that reduce energy use, improve air quality, and cut costs long-term. Though exceptions exist for certain building types and infrastructure limitations, advocates expect minimal impact on efficacy.
A federal district court upheld the Act’s legality on July 23, despite opposition from builders’ associations and fossil-fuel advocates. Legal efforts to block the code continue, but the court rejected comparisons to the overturned Berkeley, CA gas ban, calling them unpersuasive.
Financial analyses suggest the all-electric rule will raise initial construction costs but lower household energy bills with an estimated $5,000 in savings over 30 years. A 2022 study showed electric-only homes may cost $8,000 less to build by skipping gas infrastructure.
Health benefits are substantial: fossil fuel appliances emit pollutants linked to cardiovascular and respiratory issues, with building emissions previously causing $21.7 billion in health impacts and 2,000 premature deaths annually in New York. Gas stoves alone are linked to one in five childhood asthma cases.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams highlighted equity: “Places like the Bronx have the highest rates of childhood asthma in the country. We know this is a life-and-death situation.” Lonnie Portis of WE ACT added, “This is a significant step forward for environmental and climate justice.”
Jay Best of Green Team Long Island and Michael Hernandez of Rewiring America both noted the rule will normalize heat pump adoption. “The code sets a bar,” said Best. “This changes people’s view of the technology.”
Climate campaigners celebrated the win as a David vs Goliath battle. “Fossil-fuel companies, gas utilities, and big real estate all fought this,” said Food & Water Watch’s Alex Beauchamp. “But when New Yorkers come together, we can win—even against opponents with an almost-limitless budget.”
