New York State has agreed to delay the start of its All-Electric Buildings Act, which was set to take effect in January. The law would ban natural gas and heating oil systems in many new buildings, including homes.
The Albany Times Union reported on Wednesday that the delay comes as part of a legal agreement filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Albany, where the state consented to pause implementation until a federal appeals court rules on the case.
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals hasn’t yet scheduled arguments but has agreed to fast-track the case. Filings are expected by late December.
Under the original timeline, the law would apply to new buildings seven stories or fewer starting in January 2026, and to larger buildings beginning in 2029, with a few exceptions.
The lawsuit challenging the law was filed by several trade groups and labor unions — including the New York State Builders Association, National Association of Home Builders, and the New York Propane Gas Association. They argue the state’s ban conflicts with federal energy law and should be struck down.
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