Hochul faces backlash over gas stove ban and its impact on wok cooking.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman joined Queens Democrat Phil Wong in criticizing Gov. Kathy Hochul’s gas stove restrictions, arguing that the policy could interfere with an important part of Asian culinary culture.
Wong, a City Councilman who was born in Hong Kong, said at a Saturday event hosted by the Juniper Civic Association that he would support the candidate “who is going to let me keep my wok.” Blakeman also attended the gathering.
“If you move into a new building, you’re out of luck. No wok for you,” Wong said. “There’s not a single Asian family who said they can cook [stir-fry in a wok] with an electric stove top.”
The ban, which is intended to cut carbon emissions, applies this year to new buildings of up to seven stories. The restrictions will extend to taller buildings by 2029.
Restaurants are exempt from the measure, meaning Chinese eateries can continue using gas stoves for wok-based stir-fry cooking.
Blakeman highlighted the issue in an Instagram video filmed inside a Chinese restaurant kitchen in Queens. He spoke with the chef and picked up a wok.
“Is Kathy Hochul trying to put Chinese restaurants out of business?” the post asks.
“Jackie, they want to take away gas,” Blakeman tells the chef.
“No good, no good,” Jackie replies in the video.
Blakeman then says, “We got to make sure we protect all of these gas stoves so you can use the wok and get great Chinese food in New York.”
Hochul’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Blakeman has repeatedly attacked the gas ban in new housing developments, describing it as part of what he calls Hochul and Albany Democrats’ “green energy scam.”
The gas stove restrictions have drawn fierce opposition, prompting lawsuits and delays in their implementation.
Critics also assailed Hochul after reports revealed that her residence in Buffalo and the executive mansion in Albany both have gas stoves.
Earlier this year, as she prepared to seek reelection, Hochul convinced fellow Democrats in the state Legislature to delay the schedule for some green mandates after her administration said the measures could add thousands of dollars in costs for residents.
Election Day is Nov. 3, with early voting continuing through Sunday.
