Trump Administration Sues Two California Cities Over Local Natural Gas Restrictions

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against the California cities of Morgan Hill and Petaluma, seeking to overturn local ordinances that restrict natural gas infrastructure and gas-powered appliances in new buildings. The complaint, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, argues that the measures violate a 1975 federal law that bars states and municipalities from regulating the “energy use” of products already covered under national standards.

According to Justice Department attorneys, the ordinances — enacted beginning in 2019 — unlawfully interfere with federal authority and impose significant financial burdens on residents. The lawsuit marks the latest move by the administration to push back against Democratic-led climate initiatives aimed at reducing fossil fuel consumption. Since 2019, dozens of U.S. cities have adopted similar rules limiting natural gas hookups, though a federal appeals court previously blocked a comparable ban in Berkeley, California.

City officials in Petaluma said they had no immediate comment on the filing, while representatives from Morgan Hill did not respond to requests for comment. The legal challenge underscores ongoing political tensions over local climate policy as Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, continue to oppose efforts to phase out gas-powered appliances in favor of electric alternatives.

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