Governor Hochul’s Office Confirms New York Will Not Ban Outdoor Grills

No, New York State is not coming for your gas or charcoal grills.

With grilling season around the corner, we would like to address some rumors concerning our state lawmakers and a popular form of cooking.

The Confusion over Gas Appliances

Rumors began swirling about the fate of gas and charcoal powered grills when Governor Hochul approved legislation that would bar new constructions from installing gas-powered appliances. In 2026, the ban would apply to new buildings seven stories or less. By 2029, the ban will include buildings that are more than seven stories tall.

This law will not apply to existing buildings, meaning homeowners or renters that use pre-installed gas stoves and the like will not be forced to replace their appliances, per the Associated Press.

This law sparked intense backlash and, currently, the legislation is being challenged by the National Association of Home Builders and the National Propane Gas Association, who filed suit in hopes of preventing the law from taking effect.

They allege the state government doesn't have the authority to enact such a law and cited the Energy Policy and Conservation Act as an appropriate way to regulate any policy regarding energy consumption and use.

While the courts consider these arguments, misinformation has continued to spread statewide and alarm New Yorkers that their way of life is in jeopardy.

Such rumors claimed the governor would inevitably force all homeowners to replace their gas-powered appliances and swap them out with those powered by electricity, including gas and charcoal-powered grills - all in the name of green energy.

The reasoning was that other Democrat-controlled cities and states have proposed similar measures and New York tends to copy what other blue-leaning states are doing. For example, California legislators forwarded a bill to Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom that would no longer allow the sale of disposable one-pound propane cylinders, which power camp stoves, beginning in 2028.

Newsom vetoed the measure, and you can read his reasoning HERE.

Despite the outcome, the fact such a law passed in the first place sparked concerns that lawmakers in the Empire State would try to do something similar.

Additionally, California's first-in-the-nation ban on gas appliances was overturned by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals following a successful argument by the California Restaurant Association, and that ruling has caused a wave of uncertainty to ripple across similar "green energy" measures.

Despite these bills failing to become law, that didn't stop New Yorkers from fearing Governor Hochul would try a ban of her own on all gas-powered appliances, including grills.

Straight from The Governor's Office

After coming across rumors and being asked by listeners directly if the state would outlaw gas and charcoal grills, WIBX reached out to the governor's office for comment.

To be honest, I wasn't expecting an immediate reply when I sent an inquiry to the governor's office, but her team fired off an instantaneous response.

Per Katy Zielinski, who is the deputy comms director of energy and environment for the governor, she can "confirm" the state will not ban grills.

That speedy response told me that Hochul's office is not a fan of this rumor and they're trying to nip it in the bud.

So, let us be clear: Grills are safe and the governor isn't going to ban them. You may continue getting the perfect sear on your steaks and burgers henceforth.

WIBX has also reached out to several local lawmakers about this particular rumor and will update the story with their responses.

Now, if you excuse me, I have a wonderful ribeye from Hapanowicz Brothers Meat Market and some tasty asparagus to cook on my trusty lil' Weber.

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