Today, Governor Kathy Hochul took decisive action for New York's climate, health, and economy by signing S.8417/A.888 into law to repeal the antiquated '100-foot rule.' The new law takes effect in 12 months and applies to residential buildings. This outdated policy forced existing gas customers to subsidize new gas hookups. Its repeal marks a critical victory for all New Yorkers, helping ensure:

  • Gas ratepayers no longer bear the cost of unnecessary gas system expansion.
  • Clean energy producers and consumers compete in a fair energy market.
  • All New Yorkers benefit from cleaner air in a state advancing its climate goals. 

“This is a pivotal step towards a cleaner, more affordable New York. The 100-foot rule was a relic, subsidizing fossil fuel expansion and obscuring the true costs of natural gas reliance. With buildings as the largest source of New York's greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for 31% of statewide emissions, ending this subsidy is essential to achieving the ambitious ‘Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’ climate targets."

  • Erin Murphy, Director & Senior Attorney, Clean Air & Energy Markets

With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org