natural gas bans

The Foodservice Industry & Bans on Natural Gas

The use of natural gas has been a staple in American restaurants for decades, as some professionals argue it provides a flavor profile electric grills simply can't recreate. Even so, some environmental activists have advocated for a ban on natural gas and a switch to electric appliances in residential and commercial kitchens. This activism has resulted in several states passing legislation banning natural gas in new and existing constructions. Below, we'll go over the pros and cons of natural gas bans and how they impact the foodservice industry.

Why Are Natural Gas Bans Being Implemented?

There are a variety of reasons why local and state legislators are pushing for natural gas bans, such as the fact that nearly 32 percent of natural gas consumed in the United States is done by buildings and accounts for more than 3⁄10 of all gas emissions.1 For the most part, natural gas is used to heat water or indoor spaces, and it's a common utility for gas ranges in addition to other commercial and residential cooking equipment. Natural gas stoves and heaters can also emit toxins that can harm staff and the environment 2, causing some operators and local officials to advocate for bans.

Where Are Natural Gas Bans Being Implemented?

Several cities in the United States have implemented bans that prevent new construction from containing natural gas connections; many of these cities are in California, with Berkeley being one of the first to pass these bans in 2019. Several cities on the west coast have since followed suit as well as cities in New York. To combat these natural gas bans, some states are passing preemption laws preventing cities from implementing these bans.3

Other cities that have implemented natural gas bans:

  • San Francisco, CA
  • Seattle, WA
  • Denver, CO
  • Montgomery County, MD

Discussions on natural gas bans are at the federal level now, with agencies advocating for the ban. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) claims natural gas stoves can cause people to develop or worsen asthma.4 Some studies have also found that natural gas stoves release methane, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide which can create unsafe environments for people with respiratory conditions if not properly ventilated – supporting the CPSC's argument .5

Do Natural Gas Bans Harm Restaurants?

According to some critics of natural gas bans, banning the use of natural gas in commercial kitchens would harm the restaurant industry. Roughly 76 percent of American restaurants use natural gas, and more than 90 percent of owners who use gas in their business agree a ban would negatively impact the quality of food served.6

Many chefs are trained on natural gas equipment, so adapting their skills to work with electric appliances would take time. Restaurateurs also argue some foods require gas to create the flame-seared meat and vegetables customers have come to expect. For some cuisine, cooking food with an open flame is part of the culture – Korean, Mexican, and Thai food often features traditional dishes prepared with the use of natural gas.7

Smaller, family-owned restaurants can also struggle with the cost that comes with making the switch from gas to electric utilities. Buying new appliances is a considerable expense on its own, but depending on the connections in a restaurant, electric equipment may raise operational costs.

Benefits of Switching to Electric Cooking Equipment

Operators located in cities and states that implement natural gas bans may need to switch to electric equipment to comply with local laws and regulations. In general, electricity is more efficient than natural gas. Electric appliances put off less heat, leading to lower HVAC costs, in addition to preventing the injuries that can happen when cooking with an open flame. Conduction cooking also better utilizes space than natural gas appliances.8 Operators can place induction cooktops on other equipment rather than having a stand-alone unit that might take up more space.

Electric equipment is also better for the environment than appliances using natural gas utilities. While chefs may have to learn to replicate certain dishes on electric stoves and cooktops, this isn't necessarily a negative aspect of switching to electric appliances. Another thing to consider is electric stoves typically cook food more evenly than gas appliances.

For a general comparison of gas and electric appliances, check out our Gas vs. Electric on Price & Usage article.

References

  1. Cities tried to cut natural gas from new homes. The GOP and gas lobby preemptively quashed their effort. CNN Politics. Accessed December 2022.
  2. Outcry over proposing a ban on gas appliances in the US. The Carolina Journal. Accessed January 2023.
  3. Natural Gas Explained. EIA. Accessed January 2023.
  4. A US federal agency is considering a ban on gas stoves. CNN Business. Accessed January 2023.
  5. Methane and NOx. ACS Publications. Accessed January 2023.
  6. Natural gas bans treats spark fear for restaurants. The Hill. Accessed December 2022.
  7. The end of Korean BBQ in L.A.? What the gas stove ban means for your favorite restaurants. Los Angeles Times. Accessed December 2022.
  8. Restaurant operators eye electric kitchens as gas restrictions gain momentum. Nation's Restaurant News. Accessed December 2022.