Federal legislation that aims to override New York’s pending ban on natural gas from new building and home construction passed the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday.
This makes the Energy Choice Act eligible for consideration by the whole House of Representatives. The bill would block states or local governments from banning specific energy sources like natural gas or propane in new construction.
The legislation, which was approved by the committee on a 24-21 vote, was introduced by western New York Republican Rep. Nick Langworthy as a response to the state’s All-Electric Buildings Act, which was tucked in the state budget in 2023 and was slated to ban new gas hookups in new buildings under seven stories starting Jan. 1. The mandate would apply to all other buildings constructed after Jan. 1, 2029. Gov. Kathy Hochul and other environmental groups have said it aligns with her clean energy goals and accounts for a significant portion of the state’s emissions.
The Energy Choice Act has passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee and is eligible for consideration by the whole House of Representatives.
— Nick Langworthy (@NickLangworthy) December 3, 2025
The law’s impending start date has been delayed after attorneys for the state agreed in a court filing in November to delay implementation until the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals makes a ruling on the matter. Gas and construction trade groups sued to block the law two years ago, arguing it violates the federal government’s rules around how gas appliances are regulated.
The All-Electric Buildings Act has faced new scrutiny as of late over increased construction costs at a time of already limited affordable housing, as well as potential strain on a future electric grid. It has been opposed by the New York State Builders Association.