Lawmakers, scientists and doctors called on Gov. Kathy Hochul Thursday to pass a law that would make heating in city apartments less reliant on gas.

Officials say the Heat Act would move the city off the current gas system some places still use, which they say can cause asthma and even be linked to some cancers.

"Fossil fuels are impacting our health. The fact is that frack gas-burning furnaces and stoves, they leak chemicals that increase the chances of asthma or cancer when you consider communities of color or working-class communities," says state Sen. Gustavo Rivera. "Like the ones that I represent, they bear the brunt of it because they are more likely to live in smaller, older less ventilated spaces."

Advocates are hoping the governor will pass the Heat Act in next year's executive budget.