A new survey revealed that more than half of Quebecers believe that natural gas heating systems should be banned in new construction projects due to environmental concerns and health risks.
The survey was carried out on behalf of the ‘Let’s Get Out the Gas’ coalition to 1,000 Quebec residents to demonstrate that natural gas differs from green energy.
According to the results, residents believe that natural gas pollutes more than solar, wind and hydroelectricity.
The popular energy sources are Hydroelectricity (49 per cent) and solar (33 per cent). Natural gas is only preferred for five per cent of Quebecers.
However, approximately 42 per cent of respondents believe that Énergir is a company that produces renewable energy, but they remain the largest distributor of natural gas in Quebec.
Last year, ‘Sortons le gaz!’ accused Énergir of greenwashing because they barely distributed one per cent of renewable gas.
Over the past year, they’ve spoken out against the harms associated with gas stoves, citing studies reporting cases of asthma in children in the United States.
According to the survey, 14 per cent believe there is a very high risk while using a gas stove and 37 per cent think it’s a moderate risk, compared to 29 per cent who believe it’s low risk.
Some cities, including the municipality of Prévost in the Laurentians, have adopted regulations to partially ban natural gas in new construction projects, and 50 to 60 per cent of respondents agree with this initiative.
Montreal will also ban oil and gas heating appliances in new construction projects starting in October.