Construction code modifications in California temporarily halted, impeding electrification progress
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 130, a bill aimed at easing housing construction, but the legislation may not hinder the state's progress on climate and clean energy goals.
AB 130, passed as a response to California's severe housing crisis, allows for some exceptions that could let local governments implement stricter building requirements even after the cutoff date. This could prove useful for those wanting to make further progress on climate.
One such exception could see a local code update to swap old air conditioners with heat pumps, potentially fitting within AB 130's exemption. Heat pumps, known for their super-efficiency, zero-emissions, and safety compared to gas-fired options, are increasingly popular.
In 2023, 80% of line extension requests by builders to utilities Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric were electric-only. The latest statewide energy code, scheduled to take effect in 2026, encourages all-electric homes with heat pumps and heat-pump water heaters.
San Francisco is racing to get an all-electric requirement for major renovations on the books before the Oct. 1 deadline. Sacramento's general plan stresses a continued focus on improving the performance of both new and existing buildings.
Among the 482 city plans, 409 mention "greenhouse gas" - an indicator that local leaders are pursuing emissions cuts. In fact, buildings account for a quarter of California's carbon pollution.
The state commission and local governments can update building codes in emergencies to protect health and safety. This power has been used to address the climate crisis, with 74 local governments in California having passed reach codes that encourage or require all-electric new construction.
Cities and counties can adopt updates that are necessary to carry out greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies spelled out in their state-mandated general plans. This legal basis enables stricter standards tailored to local climate goals beyond the statewide freeze imposed by AB 130.
However, it's too soon to say who might try the strategy first, or whether one provision of AB 130 could potentially slow progress on California's climate and clean energy goals. Some jurisdictions are seeking legal advice to interpret the exception language in AB 130.
California has eliminated subsidies for new gas lines, reflecting the state's commitment to a greener future. The phrase "greenhouse gas" also shows up in 52 of 58 county general plans, underscoring the state's collective resolve to combat climate change.
In conclusion, while AB 130 aims to ease housing construction, it does not necessarily impede California's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources. In fact, some local governments are using the exceptions provided by AB 130 to push for stricter building codes that align with their climate goals.
