Gas Stove Tax in California City: How It Impacts Utah

Natural Gas Appliances a Target of Environmentalists 

In 2023 the Biden Administration proposed regulations that would have phased out stoves and water heaters that use natural gas. They backed off the proposals after receiving backlash from consumers and businesses. 

In California, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the city of Berkeley on an ordinance that would have banned gas hook ups in new construction. This year, Berkeley has a ballot initiative to raise taxes on buildings that use natural gas. The higher costs would disincentivise the use of gas stoves in the city. 

What Does This Mean for Utah? 

Right now, there is no proposal to do anything similar in Utah. There is no threat to tax or remove gas stoves from the beehive state, however, as the Wall Street Journal notes, what happens in California often spreads to the rest of the nation. 

Usually, Utah takes only the best ideas like commuter lanes, light rail and electric buses, and leaves paper straws and prorated electric bills to the sunshine state. You never know if those may eventually arrive here though. 

Read More: Californians Moving To Utah Are In For A Rude Awakening

Many in California have left the state because of regulations and the cost of living. A recent article detailed how many people are planning to leave in 2024. This proposed tax on gas stoves is not going to encourage people to stay who want that choice. 

This is another way Utah may be impacted by this law in the future. More people from California who are seeking a place to live with less regulation could continue to move here.