One of the leading causes of pollution in New York State is buildings, and that’s why NYLCV is committed to the implementation of the All Electric Buildings Act, which passed in 2023.
With the All Electric Buildings Act, New York took the bold step of mandating that new buildings should be all-electric starting in 2026. However, there’s a risk of missing that deadline.
We cannot continue to rely so heavily on fossil fuels to heat, cool, and power our homes. Not only is it detrimental to our environment, but also to public health. All-electric buildings will deliver cleaner air, healthier communities, and affordable homes.
In regards to public health, all-electric homes eliminate the dangerous indoor pollutants that come from burning fossil fuels – carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter – creating cleaner air both inside and outside your home.
While some are worried about the cost of transitioning to all-electric buildings, a 2022 study by the New Buildings Institute showed that these homes cost up to $8,000 less to build in New York and save residents over $1,300 per year on energy bills. By eliminating costly gas line hookups and simplifying design, builders can deliver more affordable housing faster.
Not only are all-electric buildings cheaper, but they deliver the same, if not better, quality of life. Another study by WE ACT for Environmental Justice demonstrated that heat pumps and induction stoves also pull triple duty: they heat in winter, cool in summer, and filter indoor air on days when pollution makes outdoor air unsafe. Even in the farthest reaches of Maine, heat pumps have kept families warm through the coldest of winters.
However, there have been legal challenges that are halting progress. Last month, New York State agreed to suspend implementation of the act until 120 days after the resolution of a constitutional challenge. Because of this pause, municipalities are able to continue to issue building permits for new construction buildings, regardless of whether or not those buildings comply with the All-Electric Buildings Act, until approximately 4 months after the Second Circuit Court of Appeals determines whether the law is constitutional.
This would mean missing the January 1 implementation date. NYLCV is concerned that delaying the law would only create uncertainty for investors, builders, and consumers alike. New York must offer a steady path forward − one that shows we’re serious about a cleaner, more resilient future.
NYLCV encourages Governor Hochul to fully implement the All Electric Buildings Act as soon as possible to deliver an affordable, clean future for New Yorkers.