Natural Gas Bans Spark Circuit Split, Fueling Supreme Court Review

A recent Ninth Circuit ruling has created a circuit split over state and local bans on natural gas, making it more likely for the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case.

The decision upholds California's emissions rule but distinguishes its prior ruling in a related case, leading to conflicting interpretations across federal courts.

According to legal analysts, this circuit split increases the chances of U.S. Supreme Court review.

The National Association of Home Builders has called the appellate rulings 'a setback for home builders, trade groups and labor organizations,' citing restrictions on gas-powered appliances in new construction.

In January, the Department of Justice filed lawsuits against two California cities over their ordinances banning natural gas infrastructure and appliances in new construction.