Despite overwhelming consumer preference and evidence refuting health claims, Berkeley, California, is leading the Democrat-led crusade against natural gas stoves, threatening to ignite another political firestorm.
As the fall season approaches, Americans may find themselves facing a new culinary dilemma: the potential loss of their beloved gas stoves. The city of Berkeley, California, is once again igniting the debate over natural gas appliances, this time through a proposed tax initiative.
Just a year after their unsuccessful attempt in court, Berkeley's city leaders have devised a new strategy to curb natural gas consumption. This time, they aim to impose taxes on large buildings where natural gas is used, placing a heavy burden on businesses and potentially driving up rental costs.
The Democrats' Relentless Assault on Natural Gas Appliances
The proposed tax would charge building owners $2.96 for every 100 cubic feet of natural gas consumed. This figure is based on the city's calculation of the "social cost of carbon," which estimates the damage caused by excess greenhouse gas emissions.
Proponents of the tax argue that it will promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. However, critics, including the local building and construction trades council, have condemned the measure as an unwarranted cost burden on businesses already struggling with high taxes.
The Democrats' Relentless Assault on Natural Gas Appliances
The tax also raises concerns about affordability for renters. While the measure explicitly prohibits property owners from passing on the costs to tenants, a city report acknowledges that higher rental costs could result either at lease renewal or during periods of vacancy.
Berkeley's tax initiative is part of a larger trend of Democrat-led efforts to restrict the use of natural gas appliances. The Biden administration has faced widespread pushback for its consideration of a ban on natural gas stoves, hot water heaters, furnaces, and other appliances.
The Democrats' Relentless Assault on Natural Gas Appliances
Despite these efforts, consumers overwhelmingly prefer the performance, reliability, and cost of natural gas appliances. A recent analysis by the World Health Organization found no significant association between natural gas and respiratory ailments, contradicting earlier claims of asthma incidence linked to natural gas.
The Democratic war on natural gas is out of step with the preferences and needs of most Americans. The pursuit of a sustainable economic future does not require the elimination of natural gas, which remains a long-term, clean, safe, and affordable energy option.
The Democrats' Relentless Assault on Natural Gas Appliances
Berkeley's hungry political leaders may have forgotten the lessons of the past, but most Americans would prefer to leave the debate over natural gas on the back burner where it belongs. The relentless assault on natural gas appliances must end, and consumers should be allowed to enjoy the freedom and convenience of using the energy sources they prefer.
