No need to worry, your gas or charcoal grills are safe from any interference by New York State.
As the grilling season approaches, we want to address certain rumors regarding our state lawmakers and a beloved cooking method.
The Confusion over Gas Appliances
The image shows Chef Mike Scalise from CC Pub and Grille.
Governor Hochul’s recent approval of legislation has sparked rumors about the future of gas and charcoal powered grills. Under the new law, new constructions will be prohibited from installing gas-powered appliances. This ban will initially apply to buildings that are seven stories or less, starting in 2026. Furthermore, by 2029, the ban will be extended to include buildings that are more than seven stories tall.
According to the Associated Press, homeowners or renters who currently use pre-installed gas stoves and similar appliances will not be required to replace them under this law.
The implementation of this law has faced significant opposition, with the National Association of Home Builders and the National Propane Gas Association taking legal action to challenge it and prevent its enforcement.
The critics claim that the state government lacks the power to implement this law and point to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act as a suitable means of regulating energy consumption and usage.
As the courts mull over these arguments, false information continues to circulate across the state, causing concern among New Yorkers that their way of life is at risk.
There were rumors circulating that the governor would require homeowners to replace their gas-powered appliances with electric ones, including gas and charcoal-powered grills, as part of a push for green energy.
The decision was based on the fact that New York often follows the lead of other Democrat-controlled cities and states in implementing similar measures. This tendency to emulate the actions of blue-leaning states can be seen in California, where lawmakers recently presented a bill to Governor Gavin Newsom that aims to prohibit the sale of disposable one-pound propane cylinders, commonly used to fuel camp stoves, starting in 2028.
Governor Newsom vetoed the measure, and you can find his reasoning HERE.
The passing of such a law in the first place has raised concerns among lawmakers in the Empire State, regardless of the outcome.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently overturned California’s groundbreaking ban on gas appliances. The California Restaurant Association successfully argued against the ban, leading to a wave of uncertainty surrounding other “green energy” measures.
New Yorkers were filled with apprehension that Governor Hochul might attempt to impose a ban on all gas-powered appliances, including grills, despite the previous failure of such bills to become law.
Straight from The Governor’s Office
WIBX contacted the governor’s office to address rumors and inquiries from concerned listeners about the potential ban on gas and charcoal grills.
The image above shows WIBX/Megan Stone.
I must admit, I was not anticipating a prompt reply when I reached out to the governor’s office. However, her team quickly responded with an immediate reply.
According to Katy Zielinski, the deputy communications director of energy and environment for the governor, she confirms that the state will not ban grills.
Hochul’s office wasted no time in addressing the rumor, clearly indicating their disapproval and their determination to suppress it.
Let’s get one thing straight: Grills are safe, and there is no plan to ban them, according to the governor. So, you can breathe a sigh of relief and continue enjoying that perfect sear on your steaks and burgers without any worries.
WIBX has contacted various local lawmakers regarding this specific rumor and will provide updates on their responses to the story.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a delicious ribeye from Hapanowicz Brothers Meat Market and some mouthwatering asparagus to cook on my reliable lil’ Weber.
