NAHB Joins Coalition to Take Legal Action Against Gas Bans in Washington, D.C. and Montgomery County, Maryland
On October 17, Washington Gas, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Maryland Building Industry Association the Teamsters Local 96, LIUNA Philadelphia/Baltimore/Washington Laborers’ District Council, the Restaurant Law Center, the National Federation of Independent Business and the National Apartment Association, filed dual lawsuits in Washington, D.C. and Montgomery County, Maryland, respectively, challenging the gas bans on new construction set to take effect in 2026 in both jurisdictions. This legal action is necessary to protect the right of customers to choose the affordable, reliable energy sources that meet their needs and budget.
This lawsuit is similar to legal efforts across the country challenging local gas bans, including a recent federal court ruling that overturned a first-in-the-nation ban on gas in Berkeley, California. That decision affirmed that such bans were already preempted by federal law and did not fully account for the broader implications of such policies on customer needs, energy reliability, and affordability.
Collectively, these organizations are taking a stand on behalf of the families and business owners in Washington D.C. and Maryland to ensure that our local governments consider the broader impact of these policies on their communities. The lawsuits aim to preserve customer choice and promote balanced, long-term solutions that prioritize safety, affordability, and reliability.