More than two dozen local government officials in California recently signed a letter urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to back a statewide all-electric mandate for all new building construction.
This action is needed, the officials say, after a U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling this year nullified the city of Berkeley’s ban on natural gas hookups on new buildings. In 2019, Berkeley became the first U.S. city to ban gas in new buildings for all uses including heating and hot water.
Currently, more than 75 California municipalities have “a form of building electrification requirement in place via their local codes,” according to a letter from the officials to Newsom.
The Berkeley decision could be reversed in court, but that could take several years. In the meantime, local electrification requirements are at risk of being overturned in court.
“Without your administration stepping in … many municipalities will be forced to backtrack on progress cutting emissions from buildings, due to insufficient resources to fight frivolous and opportunistic lawsuits,” the letter reads. “The best path forward in light of recent legal challenges is to follow the lead of local jurisdictions and pursue statewide implementation of common-sense clean emission measures for buildings.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
AAMA updates methods for testing of exterior walls
The standard specifies test methods, specifications, and field checks to evaluate structural adequacy of exterior wall systems composed of curtain walls, storefronts, and sloped glazing.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
Difference in male-female thermal comfort is due to clothing, ASHRAE says
Women wear lighter clothing in the summer, so they tend to be cooler in air-conditioned rooms, according to the group.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
ConsensusDocs releases new CM agency contract standard agreement
For use when owner acts as the construction manager, hires a construction manager, or uses multiple prime contractors
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2015
AIA, International Code Council reach collaborative agreement on building codes
The deal covers a wide range of initiatives, including code development, compliance, and sustainability.
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2015
Report offers urban design recommendations for healthier cities, fewer traffic fatalities
Provides concepts for creating safer streets
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2015
2015 gypsum fire resistance design manual released
The 2015 edition contains nearly 100 new systems that supplement existing assemblies for walls and partitions, floor-ceiling systems, area separation walls, and many others.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2015
New York City changing zoning rules to reduce shadows cast by high rises
For decades, the New York City’s zoning rules have made it hard to construct high-rise buildings that seem airy and minimize the shadows they cast. The city planning department is now working to change that.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2015
ICC, ASHRAE outline roles to consolidate IgCC and 189.1
"IgCC Powered by 189.1” will provide the design and construction industry with “the single, most-effective way to deliver sustainable, resilient, high-performance buildings," according to the trade groups behind the agreement.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2015
Tennessee county considers local worker requirement on construction projects
A proposed amendment to the charter governing Nashville and Davidson County would mandate that 40% of work hours on city- or county-funded construction jobs costing at least $100,000 be completed by residents.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2015
New guide for installation of mineral fiber pipe insulation on chilled water systems
Developed for professional insulation contractors, the 36-page guide recommends methods for insulating chilled water piping systems using a vapor-sealed mineral fiber pipe insulation.
