No Flame, More Pain: How State and Local Bans on Natural Gas Increase Costs

This GOP Oversight subcommittee hearing on September 3, 2026, focused on the economic and energy policy impacts of state and local bans on natural gas usage, particularly in building codes and appliance standards. Witnesses and members debated the cost implications of electrification mandates versus natural gas, with testimony highlighting increased construction and energy costs due to bans on natural gas appliances and infrastructure. The discussion included concerns about energy reliability, grid capacity, and the effects of federal and state policies on energy prices and housing affordability. Several witnesses criticized federal rollbacks of clean energy projects and tax credits, while others emphasized the importance of energy choice and the risks of overreliance on electricity. The hearing also addressed national security concerns related to energy supply chains and the geopolitical implications of energy dependencies. No specific contract awards, RFPs, or procurement actions were discussed, but policy decisions and regulatory actions affecting future energy infrastructure investments and costs were a central theme.