A California bill that would have required gas stoves to carry labels warning of health risks from harmful levels of nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants was vetoed Friday by Gov. Gavin Newsom. File photo by SK/Pixabay
Sept. 28 (UPI) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state’s move to require consumer health warning labels on gas stoves starting next year, calling the regulations “highly prescriptive.” exercised the right of veto.
Assembly Bill 2513, approved by the California Legislature earlier this month, requires all gas stoves sold in California starting January 1, 2025, detailing the health risks associated with pollutants emitted by gas stoves. It is now mandatory to display a warning label.
Supporters of the bill, led by Democratic Rep. Gail Pellerin of San Jose, point to evidence showing gas stoves emit harmful levels of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, benzene and other pollutants. are.
A recent study conducted by Stanford University found that increased long-term exposure to indoor nitrogen dioxide emitted by gas stoves is likely responsible for approximately 50,000 children with asthma today.
The proposed warning label read: “Warning: Gas stoves can release nitrogen dioxide, benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other harmful pollutants into the air that can be toxic to people and pets. Exhaust from stoves , especially emissions from gas stoves, have been linked to an increase in respiratory illnesses, making young children, people with asthma, and people with heart or lung disease particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of combustion pollutants. To reduce the risk of inhaling harmful gases, allow ventilation of the area and turn on the ventilation hood if using a gas stove or stove.
But Newsom said the bill’s language is unduly restrictive and worries that it could only be changed by another act of Congress if scientific evidence about health risks evolves. said.
“While we appreciate the author’s intent to provide consumers with information about the products they purchase, we do not believe this bill would constitute highly prescriptive labeling content that can only be changed through future legislative changes,” he said in his veto message. “I’m concerned that the culture is changing,” he said.
“This static approach falls short in allowing timely updates of label content to align with the latest scientific knowledge so that consumers are accurately informed about their purchases. ”
Environmentalists said they were disappointed by Newsom’s veto.
“Gas stove exhaust fumes increase the risk of childhood asthma and other respiratory illnesses, but most people are unaware of this threat,” said Jen Engstrom, director of the California Public Interest Research Group. “Consumers have a right to know the truth about the dangers of cooking with gas.
“While the governor’s veto is a blow to consumers, we will continue to do our part to educate Californians about the risks of gas stove contamination and help them make informed decisions about their homes.”
