Trump's DOJ Sues Morris Co. Town Over Gas Appliance Ban

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ — Morris Township is facing a federal lawsuit after the Trump Administration challenged a local ordinance that bans natural gas, propane, and fuel oil infrastructure and appliances in certain new construction. The complaint was filed Tuesday in the District of New Jersey, according to the Justice Department.

According to the complaint, the township ordinance increases energy costs for consumers and conflicts with federal authority over energy policy and regulated appliances. The Justice Department says the case is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to restore consumer choice and lower energy costs.

“This latest litigation in New Jersey follows two successful lawsuits in California as this Department of Justice fights to make energy more affordable for Americans,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said before she was fired on Thursday. “Radical environmentalist policies that drive up costs and limit consumer choice will not stand.”

The suit comes four years after the municipality adopted Ordinance 08-22, which declared that nearly all newly constructed apartment buildings will be powered by electricity rather than gas.

The ordinance cites both health and environmental concerns connected with gas appliances.

The DOJ's suit argues that gas is "often the lowest cost and most efficient energy source for everyday uses," and calls the move to ban gas "a radical left effort."

“Where the federal government has exclusive authority to regulate appliances and infrastructure, we will fight state and local overreach,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Banning natural gas is illegal. It makes heating, cooking, drying, and other life functions more unaffordable for consumers. This Administration is committed to unleashing American energy and empowering Americans.”

Among those listed in the suit are Mayor Donna J. Guariglia, Township Engineer Joseph Vuich, Construction Code Officer Ron Auth, and the township committee. Town officials told Patch they have yet to be served the complaint and will not comment at this time.

The lawsuit is its latest action against state and local governments over natural gas restrictions. Earlier this year, the Justice Department sued the California cities of Morgan Hill and Petaluma over similar bans. According to the DOJ, both cities passed ordinances in March rescinding their previous prohibitions on natural gas after those lawsuits.