Some states are seeking to ensure access to all energy sources, including natural gas
In response to efforts by some California and Massachusetts municipalities to ban specific utilities for new construction, several state legislatures are being proactive.
Although they had yet to see any bans proposed, Arizona lawmakers in the House and Senate introduced separate bills that would stop municipalities from requiring new homes and commercial buildings be built with all-electric hookups, thus preventing natural gas service. Gov. Doug Ducey signed the bill into law just one month after it was introduced.
The American Gas Association shared supportive data about this law: A story by azcentral.com, part of the USA Today Network, referenced AGA, saying, “Retail prices for natural gas are generally cheaper than electricity per unit of energy. Households that use natural gas for heating, cooking and clothes drying save an average of $874 per year compared with homes using electricity for those applications, according to the industry group the American Gas Association.”
Southwest Gas is part of a diverse coalition of Arizona organizations and businesses that supported the bipartisan passing of Arizona House Bill 2686. “We believe this measure is an important step, ensuring Arizonans have consistent access to balanced energy solutions that are efficient, affordable and clean,” Justin Brown, Southwest Gas senior vice president/general counsel, told American Gas. “Natural gas is an important part of Arizona’s overall energy portfolio and has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions while helping keep costs affordable for consumers.”
Continued advancements in renewable natural gas and other emerging technologies will also help meet Arizona’s future energy demands while driving toward an affordable and sustainable energy future, Brown said.
Meanwhile, in Michigan, state Rep. Shane Mekeland, R-Clear Lake, introduced a bill to prohibit cities from banning natural gas. “We need a sensible, all-of-the-above energy approach to help guarantee our needs are met at all times,” Mekeland said in a news release. “Electric mandates take us the opposite direction. We’ve heard about how our energy grid is fragile, poorly maintained and susceptible to attack, and now some people want to limit our options.”
Tennessee Sen. Art Swann, R-Maryville, introduced a bill to protect energy choice as well. The bill amends the utility code to ensure no political subdivision adopts an ordinance, resolution, regulation, code or policy that prohibits the connection or reconnection of a utility service based upon the type or source of energy to be delivered to an individual customer. In March, SB 1934 passed 87-8 and was signed by Gov. Bill Lee.