By Staff Writer, PHCC-National Association
NYSPHCC President, Chris Tryjankowski, was interviewed on WBEN talk radio. Chris was asked to give his perspective on the proposed gas bans and how it will affect the p-h-c industry.
Buffalo, NY (WBEN) – We’re learning more as we peel back the layers from New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget, specifically about what exactly is banned under the state’s proposal on fossil fuel usage in new builds starting later this decade.
The proposed bill stays away from singling out appliances such as stoves, but does call for eventually prohibiting the installation of fossil fuel space and water heating equipment, including home heating systems that use natural gas. It also bans any supply, distribution, or delivery of fossil-fuel for any purpose to new buildings.
Notable exceptions include restaurants and gas-powered backup generators.
Chris Tryjankowski of PCS Plumbing & Heating says from what he can tell, all new construction, single family and, and multi-living under three stories by Dec. 31, 2025 can no longer have gas, gas heating or water heating appliances to it. He adds commercial buildings will will stop getting gas in 2028.
He says there is an exception for gas stoves, but having one may not be worth it if the ban goes through. “If you’re not putting in the gas to heat the water and the comfort heat then why would you install gas just for stoves? It kind of almost doesn’t make sense,” notes Tryjankowski.
Tryjankowski says he’s already made adjustments. “There are other options and we do already install those. So it’s not like people are not going to heat their houses, they’re gonna have a have to make a decision how they’re going to heat their houses and we’ll continue putting that equipment in,” says Tryjankowski. But he notes his workers could see a difference. “A big part of what we do on construction work is installing the actual gas lines and on some big commercial jobs, that could be as much as $100,000 worth of our contract. So now that’s less hours the guys work less money in their pocket because they’re working less hours less money going back into the economy because they don’t have as much,” adds Tryjankowski.
Tryjankowski says he has lobbyists in Albany who are constantly talking to elected officials to talk them into voting against it. “People are picking sides which side of this they’re going to be on. So we’re making friends with some people who are in favor of not doing it and obviously, want our voice heard with the people who are in favor of actually doing it,” says Tryjankowski.
The budget itself is due April 1st.
More press featuring PHCC members: https://www.phccweb.org/news-category/phcc-in-the-news/