Battle Creek Times

State Representative Steve Frisbie has introduced House Bill 4486 in Michigan. The bill aims to prevent local governments from banning the use of natural gas or its infrastructure, ensuring residents and businesses maintain access to reliable energy sources.

“Natural gas plays a vital role in Michigan’s energy landscape, providing a dependable and cost-effective source of energy for heating, cooking, and power generation,” said Rep. Frisbie. “This legislation is about safeguarding energy choice for our communities and preventing a patchwork of local regulations that could disrupt access to this essential resource.”

The proposed legislation addresses a trend where some states and municipalities have moved to restrict natural gas usage in new constructions. In 2019, Berkeley, California became the first U.S. city to implement such a ban, although it was later overturned by a federal court due to conflict with federal energy efficiency standards.

Jurisdictions in states like California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C. have enacted similar restrictions on natural gas use. Within Michigan itself, cities such as Ann Arbor have considered comparable measures.

Frisbie's proposal would align Michigan with over 20 other states that have passed laws preventing local bans on natural gas use. This ensures uniformity in energy policies statewide.

“By passing this bill, we affirm our commitment to energy affordability, reliability, and consumer choice,” Frisbie added. “It’s crucial that we provide a stable regulatory environment that supports our residents’ needs and our state’s economic vitality.”

House Bill 4486 is currently under review by the House Committee on Energy.