STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A landmark piece of New York State legislation is now being delayed after elected officials agreed to halt its implementation.

The All-Electric Buildings Act, a rule that would force builders to craft new buildings seven stories or less with no fossil fuel-based sources in it, was meant to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

Now, its future is clouded in uncertainty until a federal court case is determined.

According to Syracuse.com, an Advance/SILive.com sister site, the case was brought forth “by a coalition of builder associations, gas equipment sellers and others seeking to overturn the new law.”

The legislation created a steep division between New Yorkers.

Builders claim it will cost more to build new houses in a real estate market presently stretched thin, while elected officials and climate change-forward thinkers claim it will aid in the state’s battle against greenhouse gas emissions.

Syracuse.com wrote that, “Buildings account for nearly one-third of the state’s greenhouse gases.”

Still, despite Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Department of Environmental Conservation approving the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline — a decidedly anti-clean energy move — Hochul is reportedly “committed” to the All-Electric Buildings Act.

In a comment to Syracuse.com, Ken Lovett, a senior communications advisor on energy and environment for the governor, said this: “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.”

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