Berkeley proposes higher costs for gas stoves to curb natural gas use

The city of Berkeley, California, is attempting to impose higher costs on gas stoves in both commercial and residential buildings as part of an initiative aimed at reducing reliance on natural gas. This measure is designed to disincentivize the use of outdated natural gas infrastructure and mitigate the associated greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative proposes an excise tax starting at $2.96 per therm consumed, which is significantly higher than the national average residential price for natural gas, potentially increasing monthly gas bills by around $180 for typical households. Critics, including The Wall Street Journal's editorial board, have condemned this approach, arguing that it coerces building owners into replacing gas appliances with electric ones, despite the high costs and impracticalities involved. The editorial highlights that a simple majority of Berkeley voters could approve this tax, which may be easily achieved in a city with a predominantly Democratic voter base. The Biden-Harris administration has faced backlash from consumers and businesses regarding energy efficiency regulations targeting gas stoves, which were part of a broader climate agenda. Although the administration initially proposed aggressive measures, it later retreated in response to widespread pushback. The potential passage of this gas tax in Berkeley could set a precedent for similar policies in other regions, raising concerns about the spread of such regulatory measures across the country, including at the federal level. The city has not yet commented on the situation, leaving the future of this initiative uncertain.