The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has announced that it has joined a coalition of organizations in filing a lawsuit in court in Montgomery County, Maryland, challenging the county’s gas shutdown on new construction that will go into effect in 2026.
NFIB partners with the Washington Gas Light Company, the Restaurant Law Center, the National Association of Homebuilders of the United States, the Maryland Building Industry Association, the Philadelphia-Baltimore-Washington Laborers’ District Council, and the Teamsters Local 96 in this case.
“Small businesses depend on affordable, reliable energy sources to serve their customers and serve their communities,” said Beth Milito, Executive Director of NFIB’s Small Business Law Center. “The impact of these policies will have far-reaching effects – from small companies that build new buildings to small businessmen who work in them in the future. On behalf of the small business community in Montgomery County, NFIB is proud to stand with our fellow organizations in challenging this harmful policy.”
The lawsuit argues that the gas ban, which would apply to all new construction in Montgomery County, is inconsistent with the needs of small businesses and creates undue stress on small business owners.
“This ban does not represent the needs of Maryland’s small businesses,” said Mike O’Halloran, NFIB Maryland State Director. “Main Street owners are already facing rising cost pressures and unprecedented uncertainty. They need reliability and options that fit their budget. This ban is yet another unnecessary mandate that will ultimately harm the small business community.”
The lawsuit also says the gas ban is limited by the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), which ensures that gas utilities across the US are subject to the same energy use and efficiency standards.
Photo: Envato
