It has long been known that buildings are among the largest polluters—not only globally, but also in the state of New York. According to currently available data, buildings are responsible for nearly 40 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions in New York, making them one of the key sources of pollution in the state. Most of these emissions come from the combustion of fossil fuels for space heating and domestic hot water, particularly in older residential and commercial buildings. That is precisely why I have been following with special interest the latest moves by this U.S. state, which has decided to make a serious shift toward a cleaner future.
This is one of the most ambitious climate strategies in the United States: the transition to fully electric new buildings, without the use of fossil fuels such as natural gas or propane.
This idea does not simply imply a different way of heating or cooking. It represents a complete transformation of how we build and use buildings—from installing electric heat pumps and water heaters to induction cooktops and electric ovens. In other words, energy from the socket is meant to replace energy from the pipeline.
All-Electric Buildings Act: the moment the idea became law
A real turning point came in 2023, when the New York State Legislature adopted the so-called All-Electric Buildings Act as part of the state budget. This regulation is the first of its kind in the United States and requires that no systems burning fossil fuels be installed in new buildings, as explained on the website Electrification in New York: Get the Facts.
According to the law, starting December 31, 2025, all new buildings up to seven stories must be “all-electric,” without gas stoves, boilers, or heaters. For larger residential and commercial buildings, the rule would take effect on January 1, 2029. Exceptions are предусмотрed, primarily for hospitals, laboratories, industrial facilities, and emergency systems.
With this move, New York State aims not only to reduce emissions, but also to send a clear message that the energy transition in the building sector is possible and feasible, even in large and densely populated areas.
Preparations, resistance, and court battles
However, almost immediately after the law was adopted, it became clear that the path to its implementation would not be simple. Construction associations and representatives of the gas industry initiated legal challenges, arguing that a ban on fossil fuels in new buildings could conflict with federal laws and pose risks of higher construction costs and increased strain on the electricity grid.
In July 2025, a federal court in northern New York ruled that the state has the right to enforce this law, rejecting industry arguments that it should be overturned, as reported by the Earthjustice portal. For many, this moment seemed like final confirmation that the law would move forward.
Still, the battle did not end there. Due to additional appeals and political pressure, as well as concerns expressed by some contractors and a number of Democratic lawmakers, the state agreed to temporarily delay the start of the law’s implementation while awaiting a decision from the appellate court.
A divided public and open questions
This turn of events triggered strong reactions on both sides.
Supporters of the law argue that it is a crucial step toward reducing air pollution, improving public health, and delivering long-term savings for households. Opponents, on the other hand, warn that introducing such rules too early could increase construction costs and further burden the electricity grid, which may not yet be ready for such a surge in demand.
Tensions are clearly visible in the public debate: while some speak of a historic climate breakthrough, others warn of what they call irresponsible speed and additional costs.
Observing all these developments, it is clear to me that the law on fully electric buildings in New York is not just a local story. It is a test case for the entire energy transition in the building sector, closely watched by other U.S. states as well as countries around the world.
Regardless of temporary delays and legal obstacles, the fact remains that the idea has already entered the legislative framework and the public discourse. If New York succeeds in implementing this model in practice, it could send a powerful signal that fully electric buildings are not merely a climate vision, but a realistic future.
Milena Maglovski
