New York to be the first state to end fossil fuels in buildings after 2026

New York could become the first US state to ban the use of gas stoves and heating systems, according to the plans of state governor Kathy Hochul, who wants to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings, as well as to invest in renewable energy projects.

ESG Today reports that New York authorities back in 2019 agreed upon the reduction of carbon emissions by 40% before the next decade and by at least 85% by 2050, compared to 1990 values.

Since buildings account for New York's 30% total of greenhouse gas emissions, officials aim to use the new budget in order to build net-zero buildings, which implies phasing out fossil fuels in complexes that are as much as seven stories high by 2026. With the exception of hospitals and critical infrastructure, as well as commercial food establishments, all other buildings, regardless of size, are to follow the same example after 2029.

Green victory: fossil power, less than a quarter of Europe's power sector

The governor of the state of New York said that "this Budget shows an unprecedented commitment to green infrastructure, reducing emissions from the building sector, and protecting clean water."

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