House committee debates bill to bar local bans on natural‑gas appliances

Representative Frisbie presented House Bill 44,86 to the House Committee on Energy, saying the measure would “prohibit local ordinance and policies from restricting the use of natural gas appliances,” and that provisions adopted after the act’s effective date would be void and unenforceable.

Frisbie framed the bill as protecting consumer choice and affordability; she cited Department of Energy figures in the hearing record, saying natural gas is “3.4 times more affordable than electricity,” and that an all‑gas household’s annual energy bill is “49% lower” than an all‑electric household while producing “11% lower emissions” in the Department of Energy analysis she referenced.

Committee members pressed the sponsor on local control. Representative Myers Phillips and Representative Rixey asked whether the bill would override municipal land‑use or preservation ordinances; Frisbie replied the bill “has to do with appliances” and “has nothing to do with infrastructure.” Representative Andrews asked whether local bans on gas appliances could affect infrastructure build‑out; Frisbie said loss of local demand could impose conversion costs on homeowners if utilities retreated from serving a municipality.

Members discussed Ann Arbor’s proposed ordinance—Frisbie said Ann Arbor had “considered” limits on gas hookups for new construction but did not characterize it as an enacted municipal ban. Several members emphasized the variation across Michigan communities and the traditional role of local control; Frisbie said her concern was preserving consumer choice where gas service already exists.

Submitted position cards recorded a mix of industry support and organizational opposition. Support cards read into the record included the Home Builders Association of Michigan and TC Energy; opposition cards included the Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Township Association, Michigan Environmental Council, Sierra Club and others.

No committee vote was taken at the hearing on House Bill 44,86. The bill remains at the committee stage with testimony and written positions entered into the record.