State Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek) has introduced House Bill 4486, legislation aimed at prohibiting local governments in Michigan from enacting bans on the use of natural gas or the installation of natural gas infrastructure. This measure seeks to ensure that Michigan residents and businesses retain access to reliable and affordable 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 bill responds to a growing trend in some states and municipalities to restrict or ban natural gas usage in new construction. Notably, in 2019, Berkeley, California, became the first U.S. city to implement such a ban. However, the ordinance was later overturned by a federal court, which ruled that it was preempted by federal law governing energy efficiency standards.

Currently, jurisdictions in states like California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C. have enacted restrictions on natural gas use in new construction. Even within Michigan, cities such as Ann Arbor have considered similar prohibitive measures.

Rep. Frisbie’s legislation aligns Michigan with over 20 other states that have enacted laws to prevent local governments from imposing such bans, thereby ensuring consistent energy policies across the state.

“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 has been referred to the House Committee on Energy for further consideration.

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