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APGA Comments on New York Building Code Proposal

By Stuart Saulters posted 10-03-2024 01:05 PM

  
APGA has engaged recently on a proposal put forward by New York policymakers that can negatively impact the use of natural gas in buildings in that state. APGA’s members in New York are focused on providing resilient and affordable energy to their customers through the infrastructure that the existing, skilled workforce operates. Also, this infrastructure and workforce could be used to deliver renewable natural gas and hydrogen . Given this, it was important for APGA to engage in this proceeding.

The input submitted responds to a proposed rule with amendments to Part 1229 and Part 1240 of Title 19 of the New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations. APGA believes what was put forward aims to eliminate the use of natural gas in many buildings New Yorkers own, inhabit, and utilize. APGA supports responsible climate conscious policies; however, removing the option of natural gas places an unfair economic burden on New York residents and utility providers. It also could have limited, if any, emissions reductions, especially considering the high efficiency of the direct use of natural gas.

Instead of eliminating natural gas, the state of New York should consider a revised approach to clean energy goals that maintains the utilization of natural gas, while also integrating renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen. This strategy would help enable New York to meet its climate targets while ensuring residents and businesses retain access to affordable and resilient energy. In addition, this path forward continues to utilize the investments of the state in its existing pipeline infrastructure and competent utility workforce.

To see the comments, click here.

For questions on this article, please contact Stuart Saulters of APGA staff by phone at 202-544-1334 or by email at ssaulters@apga.org.

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