The DOJ has sued two California cities to overturn their gas bans, arguing local “zero-emission” rules violate federal law. (Canary Media)
Following an executive order to protect domestic energy resources, the DOJ is suing Morgan Hill and Petaluma, alleging their bans on gas hookups in new buildings violate the 1975 Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) by effectively regulating appliance standards—a power reserved for the feds.
Yes, but: Legal experts argue this is a symbolic victory. California's state-level building codes have already "moved on," using strict efficiency standards and subsidy cuts to make gas construction economically unviable regardless of municipal bans.