Better Buildings NY Responds to Legal Challenge of All-Electric Building Act

ALBANY, NY (10/12/2023) (readMedia)-- Today, the Times Union reported on a new federal lawsuit challenging the All-Electric Building Act. Betta Broad, Director of Advocacy and Organizing at the Association for Energy Affordability, a member group of Better Buildings NY, issued the following statement in response:

"Despite what the fossil fuel industry wants you to believe, the All-Electric Building Act will save New Yorkers money, create good jobs, and slash greenhouse gas emissions. After a summer defined by extreme weather with more than one "1000 year flood," record-breaking heat, and smoke-filled air, we cannot afford to roll back crucial progress in our fight against climate change. New Yorkers' lives and livelihoods have suffered enough. We cannot roll back the All-Electric Building Act."

The All-Electric Building Act passed in May 2023 as part of New York State's Final budget, requiring new buildings in New York to use efficient electric heating and appliances starting in 2026.

Buildings that rely on fossil fuels not only account for a third of New York's emissions but also cost New Yorkers more. A statewide analysis by Win Climate shows that, under the All-Electric New Buildings Act, families in all climate zones, from the warmest to the coldest parts of the state, would see savings. Families living in new homes with cold-climate air source heat pumps would save an average over $900 a year. Those living in new homes with ground source heat pumps would save over $1,100. In rural parts of the state with no natural gas distribution network where homes instead burn propane, new homes equipped with heat pumps could save over $3,670. Statewide, heat pumps in new construction could save households on average $13,975 over 15 years. Tax credits and rebates available under the Inflation Reduction Act cover 100 percent of heat pump installation costs for low income families.

Getting off gas and going all electric over the next 30 years is a massive, net-positive jobs creator, creating more than 200,000 new jobs (more than doubling current employment) in the buildings sector. Still, policymakers can and should make intentional plans to protect the long-term livelihood of today's gas workers. Highly skilled and trained plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters perform jobs that are vital to the clean energy economy and pay family-sustaining wages. NY State has passed legislation backing utility thermal networks for district heating and cooling with dramatic energy savings.

About Better Buildings New York (BBNY)

BBNY is a network of organizations working for the equitable decarbonization of homes and buildings in New York State. We are committed to environmental justice and a just transition to all-electric homes and buildings.