Vancouver Pauses Natural Gas Ban and Building Emissions Tracking

Vancouver city council has voted to pause bylaws that required emissions reporting for large buildings and banned natural gas heating in new homes. Mayor Ken Sim argues the move reduces regulatory red tape and helps lower housing costs by giving developers more heating options. Critics and health experts argue that since buildings generate nearly 60 percent of the city's carbon pollution, rolling back these requirements undermines climate goals. The decision comes despite requests from provincial officials to delay the vote until a full cost and impact analysis is completed.