Should We Ban Gas Appliances?

In January, New York governor Kathy Hochul announced a potential plan to ban the sale of gas stoves, and appliances in an effort to lower emissions and reduce potential health problems caused by gas-run appliances. Yet the news has been received tepidly, at best. . Controversy ensued when it was revealed that Governor Hochul herself owned a gas stove, and the bill has been met with considerable skepticism about its chances of becoming law. 

Let’s consider what’s at stake and what’s at play.

Many seek to use gas appliances due to there seemed affordability. With gas appliances saving users up to 30% on their utility bill ,we must consider affordability compared to electric appliances, despite the consequences they pose environmentally. With wealth inequality only growing, and many struggling financially due to the pandemic and rising inflation, shouldn’t we be trying to get appliances to be more accessible to all instead of making it harder for families of lower income households to have these essentials? If the Hochul plan did go through, it would result in many families being unable to afford what should be a basic way of cooking food  without any type of government support. 

Gas Appliances also have negative health impacts on those who use them. This includes asthma, with USA Today noting a study from 2014  by Ellen Smit, a professor from, Oregon State University that shows that children who live in homes with gas stoves with proper ventilation are 36% less likely to get asthma, however, many American homes are not equipped with the adequate ventilation for gas appliances. Which can pose a significant risk too many that use gas appliances, especially to those from low income households. As, some older less maintained homes are less likely to have access to adequate ventilation.  

The impact on the climate is also a reason for concern. In the midst of a climate crisis, we should be taking steps to have sustainable appliances in American homes, specially since 2.7% of emissions can be blamed on gas appliances . Many electric appliances offer a green alternative for Americans to use. With this in mind, many are advocating for banning gas appliances on future constructions, to try to limit impacts on the climate. 

It has been over four months since Kathy Hochul announced her plan, and there has been little to no progress or media attention on the issue since. This has come after many criticized her for hypocrisy after it was revealed that she has gas stoves in both of her private homes. Whilst the bill in New York seems to be in a deadlock, there are still many thoughts of potentially taking the same action, in other parts of the country. They will have to decide how to best balance the affordability to operate gas appliances vs the potential health and environmental impacts of those same gas appliances. 

Max Corbett is in his sophomore year at NEST+m in NYC and was a Next Gen Summer Civic Fellow. Max is interested in a variety of political issues, mainly, healthcare and gun control. In his free time, Max enjoys both cycling and skiing.