Relates to labeling requirements for gas stoves

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic97
• Republican2

This bill has cosponsors from more than one party.

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Liz Krueger says this is needed

The Healthy Homes Right to Know Act will continue New York's long histo- ry of informing consumers about potential hazards associated with products they may purchase. The public is largely unaware of the health dangers posed by unvented gas appliances. While New York State met this challenge by requiring labeling of unvented gas heaters, there are crit- ical public health concerns to also require the labeling of gas stoves. The compelling need for labeling of stoves, combined with undertaking a broad public education about these public health impacts, was high- lighted in a 2023 letter from 10 state attorneys general including the attorney general of New York and the New York City Corporation Counsel, calling for gas stove labeling. Scientific understanding of the associative health risks of using a gas stove are compelling. The science shows that gas stoves emit carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, benzene and formaldehyde. We know that these emissions are associated with carbon monoxide poisoning, respiratory illnesses including asthma, exacerbation of COPD and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and hematological issues. "Natural gas" emissions can also occur, even when the stoves are turned off. These health effects can be felt across the state, but do not affect all communities equally. Communities of color and lower wealth communities carry a demonstrable, disproportionate burden. This disproportionate burden is borne out in studies. by the New York State Department of Health, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the US Environmental Protection Agency, as well as advocacy groups like We Act for Environmental Justice and the NAACP. Concerning asthma, the Legislature in memorializing resolution J78 in 2023, declared that the Legislature, "supports the increase in public awareness regarding asthma and allergies; it is important to help educate all citizens of the State of New York of the serious and poten- tially life-threatening nature of asthma and allergies..." The Healthy Homes Right To Know Act will help fill the gap in consumer understanding by requiring labeling to alert the public of the emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, benzene and formaldehyde, thereby promoting public health, supporting informed customer choice, and creat- ing consistent public policy. RACIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: According to data from the New York Times, Black Americans are exposed to more pollution from all sources than any other group. People of color more broadly are exposed to more pollution than their white counterparts (1).

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.