The General Assembly has passed HB 150, legislation that would stop local governments from approving or disapproving building permits based solely on the type of energy the building would use.

The Georgia bill was introduced in response to states such as California and Massachusetts banning natural gas and propane in new construction as part of a strategy to reach carbon-free emission targets. Sixty-five percent of NFIB members in Georgia who responded to a special ballot last month said they supported the legislation.

“Local ordinances on energy would eliminate choice and create a confusing patchwork of rules and regulations that would drive up energy costs and drive up the cost of doing business in Georgia,” NFIB State Director Nathan Humphrey said.

“The power grid covers a wide region, not just one city or county,” Humphrey said. “Our members believe Georgia’s energy policies should be determined at the state level, not left in the hands of local politicians.”