New York State is poised to ban natural gas hookups in construction of new residential buildings by the end of 2025 after Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced an agreement on the state’s 2024 budget. 

“We’re going to be the first state of the nation to advance zero-emission new homes and buildings, beginning in 2025 for small buildings, 2028 for large buildings,” Hochul said last week during an update on the budget. 

The $227 billion state budget includes legislation that would prohibit homebuilders from installing any natural gas and fossil fuel equipment in the construction of new homes. Beginning in 2030, existing homes smaller than three stories undergoing retrofits would also be banned from installing natural gas space and water heating equipment. The ban would take effect...