EXCLUSIVE: The top Republican member of the New York State Senate criticized Democratic lawmakers for pushing for a ban on gas stoves, saying it would drive up prices and hurt consumers.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, New York Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt criticized the policies that he said were part of a broader energy policy that is pushing employers and residents alike to leave the state. He also said that New York federal Democratic lawmakers — such as Senator Chuck Schumer and Representatives Hakeem Jeffries and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — largely determine state policy.
“I think it’s ridiculous and I think there’s a danger that it almost seems comical and people, you know, might not take it as seriously as they should,” Ortt told Fox News Digital. “It will raise people’s energy rates in New York State, it will reduce energy reliability in New York State, and it will do nothing to fight climate change.”
“If we think gas stoves are the cause of climate change, then that’s just ridiculous,” he added. “We’re not going to stop the melting of the polar ice caps because my mom has to use an electric stove.”
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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul backed plans to ban gas-fired heaters and stoves earlier this year. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink)
Ortt’s comments come as New York lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul continue negotiations on a fiscal year 2024 budget package due March 31. in new construction and new homes.
While the exact language of the bill is unknown, New York Democrats have approved a ban on water heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers and stoves that run on natural gas. And during her State of the State address in January, Hochul called for all new construction to be emission-free from 2025 onwards.
“I am proposing a plan to end the sale of all new fossil fuel heating equipment by 2030,” she noted. “We are taking these measures because climate change remains the greatest threat to our planet and to our children and grandchildren.”
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According to the Energy Information Administration, by 2021, about 60% of all New York households depended on natural gas for heating, while another 20% used heating oil. In addition, only 14% of households in the state were heated with electricity, the vast majority of which were generated by natural gas plants.
The New York State Capitol is on display on August 11, 2021 in Albany, New York. (Michael M.Santiago/Getty Images)
Ortt noted that state Democrats have pursued a broader climate agenda beyond gas stoves.
“It’s much bigger than just gas stoves,” Ortt continued. “This is an attack on energy diversification, it’s an attack on working people paying utility rates. It’s going to raise their rates, it’s going to drive employers out, it’s going to drive people out of the state. And we’re not going to have anything ecological to show for. ”
“All we’ll have is fewer people living here, higher taxes, less energy reliability,” he said. “Our policy here in New York has long been to export jobs and import energy. That’s New York’s energy policy. And obviously it’s been a bad one.”
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If the state passes the gas stove ban law, it would be the first state to take such a drastic measure. Several Democratic-led cities, including New York City, have introduced restrictions on gas appliances, while some states, such as California, have addressed the problem through amended building codes.
Richard Trumka Jr., a member of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, has supported a federal ban on natural gas stoves, citing health implications. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
The federal Consumer Product Safety Commission is currently accepting public feedback on the health effects of gas stoves, but has denied that it plans to ban the device. A member of the committee said in January that he would not rule out a federal ban, sparking outrage from Republicans and ultimately forcing the White House to say it would not support such a move.
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“There are climate alarmists out there — certainly here in New York and in Albany, and in Washington, DC,” Ortt told Fox News Digital. “I think as Republicans and people across the country we should be able to push back to say we can have responsible energy policies, policies that are environmentally friendly, and policies that are responsible from a state governance standpoint.”
“When you’re in an emergency, there’s no such thing as bad energy you don’t want. Whether it’s nuclear, natural gas, wind, solar, or electricity, you want as diverse an approach as possible. Keep costs low and that is what keeps reliability high and it’s what keeps people safe and keeps people here in New York and lets companies invest in New York.
Ortt added that New York residents can expect a late budget based on the status of the negotiations. He said energy policy is a factor in the slowdown, but the main hurdles are criminal law and public safety.
Thomas Catenacci is a political writer for Fox News Digital.
