Gov. Kathy Hochul is drawing criticism for postponing the implementation of the all-electric buildings law set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, according to a report by CBS News.
The all-electric buildings law requires new buildings in New York that are seven stories or shorter to be built to use electric heat and appliances rather than fossil fuels. This also applies to larger commercial buildings with 100,000 square feet or more. It would expand to include taller residential buildings and smaller commercial buildings in 2029.
While the law is aimed at moving away from gas, there are exemptions. Select industries like restaurants, factories, and agricultural buildings, as well as hospitals and doctors’ officers are exempt from the new requirements. Additionally, buildings already in place will not be impacted by this law.
As reported by CBS News, on Wednesday, attorneys for the state decided to suspend the implementation of the law until an appeals court rules on a lawsuit filed by trade groups and unions who challenged it. A judge reportedly ruled against the group in July and they have since made an appeal.
Anger on both sides
The postponement of the all-electric buildings law drew backlash from both sides of the aisle.
GOP candidate for governor, Rep. Elise Stefanik, slammed Hochul for what she called a “politically cynical decision” on X.
“This is nothing more than an attempt to LIE to New Yorkers and then screw them after the election just like she lied about her congestion pricing commuter tax, which she delayed until after the last election and then screwed New Yorkers by raising taxes,” Stefanik said, in part, in a post on X. “After this election, Kathy Hochul will impose the painful gas stove ban causing energy prices to skyrocket. It will crush New Yorkers, making it even more unaffordable. New Yorkers need a full repeal of this and not a desperate political pause by Hochul.”
The decision to delay the implementation also drew attention from those in favor of the law.
“Delaying the All Electric Buildings Act will keep us stuck in a fossil fuel past we can’t afford,” Katherine Nadeau, deputy executive director of policy and programs at Environmental Advocates NY, said. “New York already has a plan ready to go to build and power our buildings more safely, cleanly, and cheaply, but Governor Hochul is choosing not to use it.”
“We need the governor to fight for clean energy, not drag things out even further,” she added. “Every month we wait holds back New York’s climate progress and puts our future at risk.”
As reported by the New York Post, Hochul’s office has released a statement in the wake of the postponement announcement.
“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,” said Ken Lovett, Hochul’s senior communications adviser on energy and the environment, according to the report.
“Governor Hochul remains resolved to providing more affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for New Yorkers,” she reportedly added.
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