Natural Gas Laws By State

If there is one thing our team at DeNova Detect is passionate about, it’s natural gas detection. When left unmonitored, natural gas leaks can occur without your knowledge and leave you, your home, and your loved ones at risk for potentially disastrous consequences such as a deadly natural gas explosion. But, no need to worry—with the proper detection, natural gas can be used safely as a power and heating source in your home. 

But, surprisingly, many states do not require this detection technology, leading to deadly emergencies. As tragic incidents unfold across various U.S. states, local representatives are advocating for legislation mandating the installation of natural gas alarms in all homes utilizing natural gas in any capacity. From trailblazing states to those states still navigating through pending legislation, we will give you a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of the ever-evolving natural gas regulations across the United States. 

Why Is Legislation So Important? 

In the United States, there are nearly 300 natural gas explosions and 4,200 home fires per year alone, with an incident occurring every 40 hours on average. Since 2010, over 1,000 individuals have been injured, and 219 have died due to gas leaks and explosions in the United States. Minor gas leaks can continue undetected and unrepaired for extended periods, eventually resulting in catastrophic and often fatal emergencies.  

Legislation requiring the installation and regulation of natural gas alarms in homes and buildings that use natural gas for heat and appliances is important in safeguarding the lives and property of your community. By requiring detection technology, these leaks will no longer go unnoticed and lead to extreme—and often deadly—incidents.  

Maine Sets the Bar High 

Maine set a precedent in 2022 by becoming the first state to mandate natural gas alarms in residential buildings, prompted by a devastating gas explosion that claimed the life of a Farmington firefighter and injured five others. Recognizing the potential risks associated with unmonitored natural gas, legislators have implemented stringent regulations emphasizing prevention, detection, and response mechanisms. Maine's commitment to the safety of its residents sets a commendable standard for other states, showcasing the efficacy of a proactive approach to natural gas management. 

Seven other states, including Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Tennessee, have pending legislation to mandate these natural gas alarms. Several of these states have experienced natural gas explosions, such as this incident in Illinois a few months ago that destroyed one home and damaged 10 others. While it is regrettable that legislative action for gas safety often follows the loss of lives, we appreciate these states taking positive strides forward. 

Explosions and accidents serve as sobering reminders of the urgent need for comprehensive legislation. Despite these alarming incidents, some states have yet to fully respond with regulations addressing the root causes and preventing future catastrophes. In this transitional phase, natural gas detection technology, like our DeNova Detect Natural Gas Alarms, plays a pivotal role. These tools allow states to align their pending legislation with cutting-edge detection and prevention mechanisms. By seamlessly integrating such technologies into their evolving frameworks, states can ensure that their safety measures are not only robust but also future-proof.  

Where We Stand 

Here is the current status of natural gas alarm legislation by each state:  

Alabama – No legislation 

Alaska – No legislation 

Arizona – No legislation 

Arkansas – No legislation 

California – No legislation 

Colorado – No legislation 

Connecticut – PENDINGRequires all structures that use natural gas be equipped with a natural gas leak detector (2023) 

Delaware – No legislation 

Florida – No legislation 

Georgia – No legislation 

Hawaii – No legislation 

Idaho – No legislation 

Illinois – PENDINGRequires a building owner to install or cause to be installed at least one fuel gas detector in every room containing an appliance fueled by propane, natural gas, or any liquefied petroleum gas in each unit within specified buildings (2023) 

Indiana – No legislation 

Iowa – No legislation 

Kansas – No legislation 

Kentucky – No legislation 

Louisiana – No legislation 

Maine – PASSEDRequires at least one approved natural gas detector in every room containing an appliance fueled by natural gas (2023)  

Maryland – No legislation 

Massachusetts – PENDINGRequires every dwelling, building, or structure… occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes that contains five combustible gas (including, but not limited to, propane and natural gas)… be equipped by the owner with working, approved combustible gas detection alarm (2023) 

Michigan – No legislation 

Minnesota – No legislation 

Mississippi – No legislation 

Missouri – No legislation 

Montana – No legislation 

Nebraska – No legislation 

Nevada – No legislation 

New Hampshire – No legislation 

New Jersey – PENDINGRequires explosive gas detectors to be installed in certain residential properties (2023) 

New Mexico – No legislation 

New York – PASSED New law now requires all temporary and permanent dwellings in New York City to install an operable combustible gas detector that wirelessly connects to the gas company as of Jan. 2024. Click here for details: NYC LL157

North Carolina – PENDINGRequires the installation and maintenance of fuel gas detectors in rooms containing an appliance fueled by propane, natural gas, or any liquified petroleum gas for certain residential buildings (2023) 

North Dakota – No legislation 

Ohio – No legislation 

Oklahoma – No legislation 

Oregon – No legislation 

Pennsylvania – No legislation 

Rhode Island – No legislation 

South Carolina – No legislation 

South Dakota – No legislation 

Tennessee – PENDINGRequires building owners or landlords, as applicable, to install at least one fuel gas detector in every room containing an appliance fueled by propane, natural gas, or a liquefied petroleum gas (2023) 

Texas – No legislation 

Utah – No legislation 

Vermont – No legislation 

Virginia – No legislation 

Washington – No legislation 

West Virginia – No legislation 

Wisconsin – No legislation 

Wyoming – No legislation 

DeNova Detect Natural Gas Alarms 

The current NFPA 715 standard advises placing natural gas alarms within 12 inches of the ceiling in every room with gas appliances, which includes areas with cooking appliances, dryers, water heaters, furnaces, and gas fireplaces. As a leading provider of battery-powered residential natural gas alarms in the U.S., DeNova Detect aids homeowners in adhering to local laws and standards through the cordless design of our alarms. This design facilitates placement near the ceiling, where natural gas ascends and accumulates, ensuring optimal detection for families. 

DeNova Detect builds relationships with local fire departments to educate civilians on the dangers of natural gas explosions and provide them with the necessary equipment to prevent these emergencies. We recently collaborated with the Chicago Fire Department and the Survive Alive House to supply life-saving alarm technology to vulnerable seniors at increased risk for natural gas leaks due to their reduced sense of smell.  

While our team continues to work toward widespread awareness and education and to provide assistance to communities impacted by natural gas explosions, everyone must contribute to safeguarding their homes and communities, including but not limited to the installation of functioning natural gas alarms in any home using natural gas as a power source.  

Ready to equip your home with the best in natural gas detection? We’re here to help!  

Email us at info@denovadetect.com or visit us at www.denovadetect.com.