BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
New York has officially become the first state in the U.S. to require most new buildings to be constructed without fossil fuels. On July 25, the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council finalized regulations that mandate all-electric systems for most new construction, marking a major milestone in the state’s climate and public health agenda.
“I’m excited that we are finally tackling, statewide, our largest source of fossil-fuel emissions,” said Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, who sponsored the 2023 All-Electric Buildings Act. Buildings currently account for 31 percent of New York’s greenhouse gas emissions.
