New York poised to ban natural gas in new buildings.

New York is set to become the first state in the US to ban natural gas under a new budget deal, which mandates all new buildings under seven stories be fully electric by 2026 with larger structures following three years later. While Governor Kathy Hochul hailed the plan as a way to fight climate change, critics say the upcoming state ban will drive rising energy costs while depriving many New Yorkers of their right to beloved gas stoves in future homes. The ban could also face legal challenges over whether local and state governments can even ban natural gas hookups.