Fossil fuel industries in the United States, European Union, and Australia are actively working to impede policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. A recent report by the London-based think tank InfluenceMap reveals a concerted effort by oil and gas companies and utilities to thwart legislation that restricts natural gas use in buildings across these regions. These persistent lobbying campaigns have been successful in stalling or weakening new laws, hindering global climate action.
The InfluenceMap report, which draws from a database tracking corporate engagement on climate policies, uncovers strikingly similar tactics employed by fossil fuel companies and their trade associations in all three regions. From setting up ad campaigns and front groups to directly appealing to legislators and resorting to legal action, the industry has used a variety of strategies to maintain the status quo. The overarching goal has been to prolong the use of fossil gas, also known as natural gas, despite mounting evidence from leading climate science and public health studies indicating its detrimental impact on the environment.
Buildings are responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, with about a quarter of those emissions stemming from the burning of fossil fuels on site. One of the most effective ways to combat this issue is through electrification, which involves replacing fossil fuel-powered heating systems and appliances with electric alternatives like heat pumps. This strategy has proven to be instrumental in reducing emissions and enhancing air quality. The report focuses on the EU, Australia, and the U.S. due to the recent introduction of electrification policies that have faced fierce opposition from the industry.
## Electric Alternatives: A Path to Sustainable Buildings
In the United States, the momentum for electrification gained traction after Berkeley, California, implemented a groundbreaking ban on burning gas in new buildings in 2019. Subsequently, numerous cities across the country adopted local gas bans and electrification ordinances, prompting a swift backlash from fossil fuel companies and utilities. Lawsuits, amicus briefs, and ad campaigns were deployed to challenge these bans, with the industry also funding seemingly grassroots community groups to undermine electrification policies in various states.
Trade groups such as the American Gas Association and the National Propane Gas Association have been instrumental in advocating for new state-level laws that prevent local governments from implementing gas bans. With preemption laws passing in 26 states, the industry has effectively curtailed local initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The prevailing narrative around preserving “consumer choice” has been a central theme in industry lobbying efforts, with critics denouncing it as misleading propaganda aimed at safeguarding economic interests at the expense of environmental concerns.
## Global Resistance: A Coordinated Effort
The tactics employed in the EU and Australia closely mirror those in the United States, with oil and gas companies successfully lobbying for incentives for hybrid heating systems in the EU and running ads opposing gas bans in Victoria, Australia. Despite mounting evidence from scientific bodies like the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change supporting technology-specific policies to reduce emissions, the industry has continued to push for technology-neutral approaches that maintain the status quo.
The coordinated resistance against building electrification underscores the significant challenges faced by proponents of sustainable energy solutions. While a few energy companies have aligned themselves with science-based positions and supported electrification efforts, the overwhelming influence of the fossil fuel industry continues to dominate the narrative. As the push for electrification gains momentum, the need for stronger advocacy and decisive action from all stakeholders becomes increasingly evident to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
In conclusion, the battle between fossil fuel interests and proponents of electrification is far from over. As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the role of buildings in emissions reduction cannot be overstated. The industry’s concerted efforts to maintain the status quo highlight the uphill battle faced by advocates of sustainable energy solutions. However, with continued pressure, informed advocacy, and a commitment to science-aligned policies, the transition to electrified buildings and the phaseout of gas remains a tangible and essential goal in the fight against climate change.
