After a court struck down a first-in-the-nation ban on gas hookups in new buildings last year, voters in Berkeley, Calif., will have their say in November on a measure to tax large buildings that use natural gas.
Supporters of the “Fossil Free Berkeley Ballot Measure” say the proposed tax would raise $23 million annually for a dedicated building electrification fund. The tax would be based on how much gas a building consumes and the estimated amount of methane leaked across the natural gas system in delivering that fuel.
The tax would apply to buildings 15,000 sf or larger, or about the size of a 10-to-15-unit apartment building. A majority vote would make the proposal into law, and it would take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
Low-rise residential buildings and restaurants would be prioritized for funds to electrify their properties.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 4, 2021
Mass timber is a natural choice for building recycling through deconstruction
Designing wood buildings to optimize recovery of materials for disassembly aids carbon sequestration.
Codes and Standards | Aug 3, 2021
Dept. of Energy releases initial version of the Spawn of EnergyPlus software
Targets new use cases in advanced controls, district systems, and grid integration.
Codes and Standards | Aug 2, 2021
Several U.S. cities among most expensive places to build in the world
San Francisco, New York, and Boston head the domestic list.
Codes and Standards | Jul 28, 2021
American Concrete Institute creates new director of innovative concrete technology post
Aim is to attract emerging technologies for development.
Codes and Standards | Jul 28, 2021
Higher ed faces infrastructure backlog of $112.3 billion
Study recommends integrated strategic planning for best results.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2021
Add a wobbly moon to flooding risk factors
Earth satellite’s orbit variations will lead to sunny-day flooding in the mid-2030s.
Codes and Standards | Jul 26, 2021
Revamping of Florida building codes on the table after condo collapse
Tragedy could prompt upgrades like post-Hurricane Andrew effort.
Codes and Standards | Jul 21, 2021
Proposal to give Calif. hospitals more time for earthquake retrofits stirs controversy
State hospital association says 2030 deadline should be extended.
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2021
New York, New Jersey legislatures may revamp bidding rules to promote low-carbon concrete
Contractors would have to certify that their concrete is in compliance.
Codes and Standards | Jul 19, 2021
Lack of information on carbon emissions challenges construction industry
Reports recommends whole-life carbon assessments on building projects.