There’s been a push in recent years towards using electricity for home heating and household appliances. Legislation in various states has been introduced, or passed, to restrict the use of natural gas and propane.
That’s an important issue with the live-fire industry given the popularity of gas grill, gas fire pits and other fire-producing appliances. The state of Michigan is pre-emptively preserving the benefits of gas with house bill 4486.
It’s a very briefly worded bill that prevents bans on the use or infrastructure for natural gas and propane.
A bill to prohibit municipalities from imposing a ban on the use of natural gas or propane or the installation of natural gas infrastructure or propane infrastructure; to provide for the powers and duties of certain local governmental officers and entities; and to provide that certain local ordinances, resolutions, or policies are void and unenforceable.
Michigan House Bill 4486
The bill receive bipartisan support and passed the House. It was originally introduce by Rep. Steve Frisbie.
Families and small businesses should be able to choose what works best for their homes and operations without local governments forcing one-size-fits-all energy mandates. This bill protects affordability, reliability, and common sense at a time when energy costs are already high.
Rep. Steve Frisbie
The bill will now advance to the Michigan Senate. Hopefully it can continue on it’s path and preserve access to gas infrastructure for the live-fire industry.