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naturalNews

Limiting choice

New electrification efforts at the state and local levels could eliminate
consumers’ energy options.

By Tonya McMurray

n cities and towns across the country, zoning boards and local and then converting all household energy use to electricity.
governments are passing resolutions, ordinances and building “Right now, these efforts are focused on new buildings, but it’s just
codes that require all newly built homes and businesses to use a steppingstone in the process,” said Rick Murphy, managing direc-
I only electric appliances, effectively preventing consumers from tor, energy markets, American Gas Association. “The next step could
choosing other energy solutions. In many instances, these cities and be a requirement that when consumers look to replace their existing
towns are moving toward electrifying everything without conduct- natural gas equipment in their homes, they will only have electric
ing a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis or engaging in a transpar- equipment options. The opportunity for consumers to make an in-
ent stakeholder engagement process. formed decision is in jeopardy.”
These actions are part of a movement toward forced residential elec- Not only will electrification eliminate consumer choice, but it’s
trification, which seeks to achieve ambitious greenhouse gas emission likely to be costly, according to an AGA study conducted by ICF Inc.
reductions by generating electricity only from renewable resources (continued on page 04)

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