Fossil fuel industry fights efforts to remove gas from buildings
Oil and gas companies are using coordinated tactics across the U.S., EU, and Australia to block policies that phase out fossil fuel use in buildings, delaying efforts to cut emissions and improve air quality.
In short:
- A report from InfluenceMap finds that fossil fuel companies and utilities have worked to weaken laws restricting natural gas use in buildings, using lobbying, legal challenges, and ad campaigns.
- In the U.S., trade groups have pushed state laws preventing local gas bans, while in the EU and Australia, industry-backed messaging has promoted “technology neutrality” and affordability concerns to stall electrification.
- Some energy companies have supported electrification, but their efforts are overshadowed by widespread industry opposition.
Key quote:
“These voices are being overwhelmed by the fossil fuel industry. The overwhelming opportunity here is for those voices to strengthen their advocacy for building electrification and the phaseout of gas.”
— Vivek Parekh, InfluenceMap report co-author
Why this matters:
Buildings contribute 21% of global carbon emissions, with a significant portion coming from fossil fuel use for heating and cooking. Electrification, through heat pumps and other technologies, offers a path to reducing emissions and improving indoor air quality. However, the fossil fuel industry’s resistance has slowed policy changes, keeping buildings reliant on gas. Industry-backed narratives — framing gas as essential for affordability, consumer choice, or energy security — have shaped public perception and legislative decisions. In the U.S., these efforts have led to state-level laws that override local gas bans, stalling climate action.
Related: Some states are falling behind on energy efficiency policies
