Gas Stoves Labeling Bill Vetoed in California

Last week, Governor Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 2513, which would have required all gas stoves manufactured for indoor use, and sold in the California market (both in stores and online), to bear a warning label directly on the product that was easily viewable to shoppers. The warning label would have alerted consumers to the alleged, potential health impacts associated with gas cooking emissions, and their impact on indoor air quality.

To many, this legislation represented nothing more than a poorly veiled attempt to frighten consumers in to buying electric cooking products. Despite these scare tactics, gas stoves and ovens remain incredibly popular. In California, in fact, 70 percent of households cook with gas stoves – the highest rate in the nation. NPGA’s partner, the Association of Homes Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), was a sound voice of reason throughout the entire legislative process, and explained the many misgivings associated with this gas stoves labeling bill.

Colin Sueyres, President and CEO of the Western Propane Gas Association, has been dealing with appliance emissions and indoor air quality in the Golden State for many years. “The more that California consumers feel the impact of state mandates and directives supported by ideologues, the more they are inclined to reject these mandates and push back against government overreach,” said Sueyres. “We are glad that Governor Newsom saw that picking a fight on gas stoves would have created more political headaches without demonstrably improving the environment.”

Similar gas stove labeling bills were introduced this legislative session in Illinois and New York. For more information, contact NPGA’s Director of State Affairs, Jacob Peterson.