BUFFALO, N.Y. — New York state officials have agreed to temporarily pause implementation of the All-Electric Buildings Act, delaying the law just weeks before it was set to take effect. The decision comes after several companies and trade groups challenged the policy in court.

The law, scheduled to begin Jan. 1, would have prohibited natural gas hookups in new buildings under seven stories, including residential construction. State attorneys agreed to hold off while the case moves through the appeals process.

Builders and trade groups first challenged the law over the summer and lost, but their appeal led to the temporary pause — a development they are calling a major win in their legal battle against the state.

Environmental advocates condemned the delay, calling it a setback for New Y

See Full Page