The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) denied recent suggestions that the regulatory agency was seeking a ban on gas-fueled cooking stoves on Wednesday.
A possible ban of gas stoves originated after USCPSC Commissioner Richard Trumka Jr. said the kitchen appliance poses a “hidden hazard,” suggesting “any option is on the table” in regards to regulation in a Monday Bloomberg interview.
“Over the past several days, there has been a lot of attention paid to gas stove emissions and to the Consumer Product Safety Commission,” reads a statement from chair of the USPSC Alex Hoehn-Saric. “But to be clear, I am not looking to ban gas stoves and the CPSC has no proceeding to do so.”
I want to set the record straight.
Contrary to recent media reports, I am not looking to ban gas stoves and the @USCPSC has no proceeding to do so. Read my full statement: pic.twitter.com/bYS1GLEpXP
— Alex Hoehn-Saric (@HoehnSaricCPSC) January 11, 2023
“CPSC is researching gas emissions in stoves and exploring new ways to address health risks,” the statement continued. “CPSC also is actively engaged in strengthening voluntary safety standards for gas stoves.”
“Later this spring, we will be asking the public to provide us with information about gas stove emissions and potential solutions for reducing any associated risks. This is part of our product safety mission — learning about hazards and working to make products safer.”
“I’ll NEVER give up my gas stove. If the maniacs in the White House come for my stove, they can pry it from my cold dead hands. COME AND TAKE IT!!” said Texas representative Ronny Jackson.
“Did you know that ongoing exposure to NO2 from gas stoves is linked to reduced cognitive performance,” New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said in response to Jackson.
Did you know that ongoing exposure to NO2 from gas stoves is linked to reduced cognitive performance https://t.co/1bjmHqnHVa
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 11, 2023
“[Joe Biden], get your hands off our gas stoves!!!! If you know ANYTHING about cooking, there is nothing like cooking on a gas stove,” said Florida representative Byron Donalds, echoing Jackson’s remarks. “Democrats want to ban gas stoves. Republicans want to LEAVE YOU ALONE.”
Some Twitter users noted the New York representative, along with several other politicians and government figures, used gas stoves.
“Gas stoves for me but not for thee,” said Libs of TikTok sharing images of Ocasio-Cortez, Vice President Kamala Harris, First Lady of the United States Jill Biden, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren using gas stoves.
Gas stoves for me but not for thee pic.twitter.com/UrXzzlfziQ
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 11, 2023
“Statistics show that Black, Latino, and low-income households are more likely to experience disproportionate air pollution,” wrote Democratic lawmakers in a December letter suggesting the kitchen appliance required regulation. “Either from being more likely to be located near a waste incinerator or coal ash site, or living in smaller homes with poor ventilation, malfunctioning appliances, mold, dust mites, secondhand smoke, lead dust, pests, and other maintenance deficiencies.”
“We ask the CPSC to explicitly evaluate the disparate health outcomes that occur from the coupling of gas stoves with the material realities to which the most vulnerable Americans are subjected, as well as evaluate the health impacts of gas leaks due to gas stoves connections,” the letter concluded.
