California’s GOP Leaders Request Federal Intervention Against State’s Anti-Gas Policies

In a bold move, California’s top Republican leaders are seeking intervention from the Trump administration in response to the state’s aggressive initiatives aimed at phasing out traditional energy sources, particularly natural gas. The criticism is notably centered around a push to ban gas appliances, which one lawmaker described as “sick” behavior from the state’s liberal leadership.

Letter to Department of Energy

In a recently sent letter addressed to Department of Energy Secretary Christopher Wright, California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher and state Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones have urged the DOE to scrutinize California’s ongoing efforts to “ban natural gas and gas appliances.” They are calling for an evaluation of these actions concerning energy sufficiency, energy independence, and national security.

“It’s a sick philosophy that tells fire victims we’re going to control how you build your home, we’re going to tell you all the things that you can and cannot have,” Gallagher stated in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital.

Impact on Cost of Living

Gallagher expressed concerns that these policies could have severe implications for the cost of living in California. He stated, “Let’s once and for all decide that you cannot ban gas appliances. People need these. They like having these. They’re more affordable. Let’s make sure that this is not going to get any further down the road.”

California’s Push for Zero-Emission Alternatives

California has ramped up its efforts in recent years to eliminate natural gas appliances, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve indoor air quality. In a significant step, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved a 2022 plan to ban the sale of new gas-powered space heaters and water heaters by 2030. As a result, homeowners and businesses will need to transition to zero-emission alternatives, like electric heat pumps. Additionally, the state’s 2023 energy code incentivizes all-electric construction, increasing costs for developers choosing to install gas appliances.

A Call for Consumer Choice

Gallagher is vocal in his hopes that the federal government will intervene to restore consumer choice in California. “We should be able to choose whether or not we want electric or gas, and we especially need to make those choices so we can ensure that we can afford to live in this state,” he said, adding that under the current Democratic policies, electricity prices have soared.

Federal Response to State Policies

The Republicans’ letter calls on the DOE to “engage legally with any California jurisdiction that is violating the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975” to enforce federal preemption of state or local gas bans. The letter emphasizes the necessity for the DOE to “intervene where appropriate to overturn these overreaching policies” enacted by various California state agencies and local governments.

Trump Administration’s Energy Policies

Amidst these developments, President Donald Trump has directed the DOE to implement policies that support natural gas production and exports. Just last month, he signed an executive order declaring a national energy emergency aimed at enhancing domestic energy production.

Ben Dietderich, a spokesperson for the DOE, emphasized to Fox News Digital that “expanding consumer choice and removing burdensome restrictions on household appliances is a key component of President Trump’s agenda for reducing costs for the American people.”

California’s Environmental Regulations

California, often seen as a leader in progressive environmental policies, has participated in the federal government’s Appliance Standards Program. However, there are instances where state standards exceed federal requirements. Dietderich noted that the department is “conducting a comprehensive review and is working to advance a commonsense approach that prioritizes affordability and choice for all Americans.” 

Wright remarked that any new appliance standards should include a cost-benefit analysis that reflects the upfront costs of new products and the actual savings for American families.

Local Ordinances and Future Implications

Over 70 cities in California, beginning with Berkeley in 2019, have implemented local ordinances that prohibit natural gas hookups in new buildings. However, a 2024 federal court ruling overturned Berkeley’s ban, leading some municipalities to reconsider their policies. Furthermore, the state legislature passed a bill that requires warning labels on gas stoves, highlighting health risks associated with indoor emissions. If enacted, this would position California as the first state to implement a ban on gas appliances.

Political Backing and Future Directions

Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been supportive of California’s restrictive energy policies, has signed laws limiting new oil and gas wells near certain areas and approved various activities to transition neighborhoods to all-electric systems. In December 2024, state regulators endorsed a plan aimed at reducing dependency on a significant natural gas storage facility.

In a recent interview with CNN, Newsom discussed the impact of wildfires, stating that homeowners who lost their homes cannot rebuild in the same manner. He emphasized the need to consider climate realities in rebuilding efforts.

As of the time of publication, Fox News Digital had not received a response from Newsom’s office regarding the unfolding situation.

This rewritten article provides a structured overview of the situation in California regarding gas appliance bans while maintaining a journalistic style and incorporating necessary headings to facilitate readability.