
Berkeley abandons landmark natural gas ban after court battle
Fox News
The City of Berkeley, California, agreed to stop enforcing and work to repeal a climate-related rule banning natural gas hookups in new construction.
Thomas Catenacci is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.
"We are encouraged that the City of Berkeley has agreed to take steps to repeal the ordinance, including immediate nonenforcement of the ban, to remain compliant with federal energy law," CRA President and CEO Jot Condie said in a statement. "Every city and county in California that has passed a similar ordinance should follow their lead.
"Climate change must be addressed, but piecemeal policies at the local level like bans on natural gas piping in new buildings or all-electric ordinances, which are preempted by federal energy laws, are not the answer. Cities must comply with the law. Rather, the ban was passed with a disregard for available cooking technologies and ultimately for small businesses in the community that rely on gas-burning equipment for their cuisines."