Wood Stove and Fireplace Ban for New York State?

A few years ago, a rumor started to circulate in New York State that wood stoves and fireplaces were going to be a thing of the past. Although some laws have been put in place regulating burning, what is the law about wood stoves in New York State?

As we wait for the fall to arrive, there are some asking "is New York State going to ban Fireplaces and wood stoves this year"?

The kids are back at school, and there are some very warm days still.  However, the cooler air is coming and many homeowners believe the most affordable way to heat their home is with firewood.

Note from the editor: This story has been updated with a statement from the New York State Department of Environment Conservation. Please see below under "Statement from the NYS DEC."

Read more: Patio Design Ban Updated in New York State

Are the days of having your home heated with a wood furnace going away in New York State? There's a pending law in New York that will begin to change how buildings and homes in New York are heated in an effort to reduce carbon emissions. 

This bill known as the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act was signed in 2019 and started to have a big impact in 2022.

Sections 2 and 3 of the bill would modify the Environmental Conservation Law to establish the New York state climate action council, and green-house gas emissions limits and reporting requirements, and provisions to address potential impacts on disadvantaged communities.

According to the bill, this portion of the law has already been put in place.

The bill would take effect on the same date as a chapter of the law of 2019 relating to a permanent environmental justice advisory group as proposed except that the community air monitoring program required by section 2 of the act shall take effect on October 1, 2022.

Statement from the NYS DEC

The Climate Action Council’s Draft Scoping Plan does not contain any recommended actions directed specifically at wood burning.

The statement continues:

The State is not considering legislation that would ban wood burning. The Draft Scoping Plan puts forth strategies and actions to achieve the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

Please read their entire press release, CLICK HERE. 

As of now, there is a bill in motion to prohibit the future ban of things like wood stoves in New York State. "Prohibits banning the burning of wood, coal, natural gas, propane, or other fuels for the purposes of cooking or otherwise preparing food".