Back in 2019, the liberal stronghold of Berkeley, California became the first city to ban natural gas hookups in most new construction projects. The California Restaurant Association took them to court almost immediately. Their complaint had less to do with the freedom to cook food in whatever fashion they chose than a technical argument stating that the ban violated the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). While Berkeley prevailed initially in a lower court, the suit was upheld on appeal yesterday by the Ninth Circuit. Considering how many blue state and municipal governments around the country are currently trying to ban gas stoves and natural gas in general, this decision could have wide-ranging implications. Of course, the city is planning to appeal, so the argument isn’t over yet. (Bloomberg)Read More
Court strikes down Berkeley ban on natural gas stoves
