Rep. Debbie Lesko deserves a round of applause for ensuring that the Northwest Valley and the rest of the country will continue to have access to gas stoves.
Nearly 100% of gas stove models already on the market will meet the new energy efficiency standards recently announced by the federal government. It’s an outcome that was less than certain just a few months ago when the Biden administration signaled it would develop standards so strict that future sales of gas stoves would have been very much in doubt.
Rep. Lesko led a bipartisan charge to push back against the administration’s overreach. The White House got the message.
But this is about more than gas stoves. A gas stove ban would have set a terrible precedent for reduced energy choice, especially for our area of the Valley, which is experiencing significant growth among manufacturers, many of whom depend on affordable natural gas.
It’s not hard to imagine a scenario where the feds ban gas stoves in homes but then move to commercial settings and then block natural gas hookups altogether for businesses. The result? More expensive manufacturing processes. Higher utility costs. Fewer jobs.
Rep. Lesko has been a leader on Capitol Hill for a national energy strategy that ensures choices for homeowners and businesses. She leaves big shoes to fill when she departs Congress at the end of this term. Here’s hoping her replacement is as committed to energy choice as she is.
The Northwest Valley Chamber stands united with the ACE (Arizona Chamber Executives) in supporting all utility infrastructure in our state, including electricity, water, sewer, natural gas, solar/alternative energy, and communications. This includes protecting access to natural gas.
Raoul Sada NW Valley Chamber of Commerce
Editor’s note: Raoul Sada is the president and CEO of the Northwest Valley Chamber of Commerce.
