"Courts Challenge Berkeley's Gas Ban as Seattle Electrifies Amid Legal Disputes"

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has denied the City of Berkeley's petition to rehear a case regarding its natural gas ban in new constructions, which was previously ruled illegal. The ban, intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, was challenged by the California Restaurant Association and found to violate the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Despite support from the Biden administration and environmentalists, the court's decision stands, preventing Berkeley from implementing the ban and maintaining consumer energy choices.