The Department of Justice has sued a New Jersey city over a rule that bans natural gas, propane, and fuel infrastructure from some new construction buildings.
The lawsuit says that the local ordinance in Morris Township bans a low-cost energy source for heat and cooking.
"But natural gas is often the lowest cost and most efficient energy source for everyday uses—outperforming electric on both expense and lifecycle emissions," the 14-page lawsuit said.
The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit over its ordinance banning natural gas, propane gas, and fuel oil infrastructure and appliances in certain new construction. This lawsuit is another example of the Department keeping President Donald J. Trump’s promise to the American people to restore consumer freedom and cut energy costs.
“This latest litigation in New Jersey follows two successful lawsuits in California as this Department of Justice fights to make energy more affordable for Americans,” said former Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Radical environmentalist policies that drive up costs and limit consumer choice will not stand.”
As detailed in the complaint, filed Tuesday in the District of New Jersey, Morris Township’s natural gas ban drives up energy costs for everyday American consumers and weakens our Nation’s energy dominance. Such policies reflect a radical left effort to outlaw federally regulated gas stoves, furnaces, water heaters, dryers, and other appliances that American families rely on daily to cook their meals and heat their homes.
“The Department brought this lawsuit to protect American citizens from the Township abandoned by kowtowing to progressive fearmongering in passing its natural gas ban,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward.
Cities and local governments in California, Colorado, and New York City are trying to ban natural gas and propane in new construction. Instead, local governments want to use electricity to heat buildings and fuel stoves.
“The Township’s illegal interference with national energy policy must be stopped,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate. “Congress preempted local efforts to outlaw gas stoves and other appliances Americans count on and prefer. This case is about upholding that choice.”
001 - Morris Twnp Compl w Exh by scott.mcclallen
“Where the federal government has exclusive authority to regulate appliances and infrastructure, we will fight state and local overreach,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Banning natural gas is illegal. It makes heating, cooking, drying, and other life functions more unaffordable for consumers. This Administration is committed to unleashing American energy and empowering Americans.”
The case is the latest action from the Justice Department fighting back against state and local overreach. In January, the Department successfully sued two California cities for similar progressive natural gas bans. As a result of the Department’s suit, the City of Morgan Hill and the City of Petaluma passed ordinances earlier this month rescinding their previous prohibitions on natural gas, in recognition of their unlawfulness.
