CA Republicans urge Trump admin to fight state’s attack on natural gas: ‘It’s sick’
California’s top Republican leaders are calling on the Trump administration to intervene against their state’s efforts to eliminate traditional energy sources, particularly gas. Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher and state Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones sent a letter to Department of Energy Secretary Christopher Wright, urging the DOE to evaluate California’s actions to ban natural gas and gas appliances.
Gallagher condemned the state’s push to ban gas appliances as a “sick philosophy” and criticized the liberal leadership’s control over how homes are built. He highlighted the implications for the cost of living in California, emphasizing the importance of consumer choice and affordability.
California has been working to phase out natural gas in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve indoor air quality. The California Air Resources Board approved a plan to ban the sale of new gas-powered space and water heaters by 2030, pushing for a transition to zero-emission alternatives like electric heat pumps. The state’s energy code also promotes all-electric construction, increasing costs for developers installing gas appliances.
The Republicans are requesting the DOE to legally engage with any California jurisdiction violating the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 to enforce federal preemption of state or local gas bans. They are asking for federal intervention to overturn what they deem as overreaching policies in California.
President Donald Trump has been focused on bolstering natural gas production and exports, signing an executive order declaring a national energy emergency to enhance domestic energy production. The DOE spokesperson emphasized the administration’s commitment to expanding consumer choice and reducing costs for American families.
While California participates in the federal government’s Appliance Standards Program, the state’s stringent standards sometimes exceed federal requirements. The DOE is conducting a review to prioritize affordability and choice for all Americans, considering a cost-benefit analysis for new products.
California has faced pushback from more than 70 cities enacting local ordinances to prohibit natural gas hookups in new buildings. Despite Governor Gavin Newsom’s support for transitioning to all-electric systems, the state’s Democratic majority has faced criticism from Republican leaders for their efforts to eliminate gas appliances.
In a recent interview, Newsom emphasized the need to rebuild with a climate reality in mind following wildfires in Los Angeles. The debate over California’s energy policies continues to be a contentious issue between the state’s Democratic leadership and Republican lawmakers.
