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On Thursday, December 8th, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation requiring electric space heaters to now have thermostats, automatic shut offs and to be certified by a testing and certification agency recognized by and approved by the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The new legislation comes after the massive fire that occurred at Twin Peaks in the Bronx nearly a year ago that claimed the lives of 19.
“After flames engulfed the Twin Parks apartments last year, we worked to help impacted families recover and vowed to never forget the tragedy and to protect New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “As the weather gets colder once again and we crank up the heat in our homes, this legislation will help prevent future disasters and keep New Yorkers safe as we ensure higher safety standards for all electric space heaters sold in our state.”
Legislation (S.7863A/A.9181B) amends the general business law to prohibit any retailer of electric space heaters from selling them in New York State without a thermostat, automatic shut off, and certification by a testing and certification body recognized and approved the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
