New York Governor Kathy Hochul is being called a hypocrite after being pictured grilling on gas powered grills despite stating how she wants to see a ban such equipment within a matter of years.
State officials have portrayed Hochul’s proposal as a way to combat climate change but critics believe her words to be full of hot air.
If the new law is passed, New Yorkers would only see electric stovetops in new developments by 2028 but smaller buildings will no longer be allowed to have gas hook-ups from as soon as 2025.
Hochul does not appear to be practicing what she preaches and has been pictured using one herself including at the Governor’s mansion in Albany and her Buffalo, New York, home.
Hochul suggested the controversial move during her state-of-the-state address earlier this month while outlining her plan toward ‘Achieving the New York Dream.’
Current buildings would not be impacted and so residents would not be forced to swap out their stovetops.
Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay stated, ‘The governor’s push to ban gas stoves appears to be as hypocritical as it is ridiculous.’
‘One has to wonder how many times she’s fired up her own gas stove since declaring them environmentally unsafe in her State of the State Address,’ he added.
Hochul has argued that the state must push for electrification mandates for new buildings in order to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent compared to 1990 levels as required by a 2019 state law.
In response to the obvious clash, Hochul’s spokeswoman Hazel Crampton-Hays stated, ‘No one is taking away anyone’s gas stoves. The Governor’s proposal would not apply to existing gas stoves in homes and businesses,’ she stated.
‘We are focused on continuing to advance the boldest climate policies in the nation to protect the health and safety of our children and the planet, all while lowering energy bills and prioritizing energy affordability and reliability.’
Republican Rep. Nick Langworthy also called into question Hochul’s double standards.
‘Is it any surprise that Queen Kathy cooks on her gas stove when she flies around on private planes? New Yorkers are so sick of phony climate-warrior hypocrites and their ‘rules for thee but not for me.’ Our state is in a crime and economic free fall and she’s waging war on appliances.’
‘Flying in private jets and driving gas-guzzling SUVs are common sights as they fear-monger and frighten our children over climate change,’ state Senator George Borello told The New York Post.
‘If eliminating natural gas appliances and heating isn’t a priority for the political elite then why should it be for middle-class families in New York,’ he asked.
‘The governor, and anyone else in government support a ban on fossil fuel powered equipment, should lead by example. I’d like to see them remove their gas stoves and heating systems,’ Republican Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo suggested.
Those in the restaurant industry are uncomfortable about such restrictions with many suggesting cooking on gas has definite advantages over gas both in terms of flavor and reliability.
‘The recent storms in Western New York are a perfect example, as many people hit by widespread power outages were able to have warm meals thanks to gas stoves in homes and restaurants,’ Melissa Fleischut president and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association said.
Hochul is expected to unveil her proposed state budget by the end of January.
Read the full story here.
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.