# Plain Language Summary: Natural Gas Connection Bill

This bill would prevent states and local governments from banning people from connecting to natural gas service. Right now, some cities and states are passing rules that prohibit new buildings or existing homes from hooking up to gas utilities—they're trying to push people toward electric heating and cooking instead. This bill would override those local decisions and say that if you want natural gas service, no government can stop you from getting it.

The practical effect is that it removes a tool that cities and states have been using to fight climate change. Many local governments believe that reducing natural gas use helps lower greenhouse gas emissions, so they've been discouraging or blocking new gas connections, especially in new construction. This bill would eliminate that ability. If you live in a place that has banned new gas hookups, this would allow you to connect to gas service anyway, assuming the gas utility is willing to serve your area.

The bill also affects people who are already disconnected from gas service. Currently, some local rules make it difficult or impossible to reconnect if your service was shut off. This bill would require that you be allowed to reconnect if you want to. For most people, this means more choice about how to heat and cook in your home, but it also means less local control over energy policy and potentially slower progress toward reducing fossil fuel use in communities trying to transition to cleaner energy sources.

To prohibit States, local governments, or State regulatory authorities from prohibiting a natural gas consumer from connecting or reconnecting to a gas utility for natural gas service, and for other purposes.

Jacobs, Chris

 <p>This bill bars states, localities, or state regulatory authorities from prohibiting a natural gas consumer from connecting or reconnecting to a gas utility for natural gas service.</p>