Sets statewide net-zero by 2050 target, strengthens protections of frontline communities, and would permit localities to enact natural gas bans.
In December 2020, San Jose became the largest city in the US to ban gas infrastructure from nearly all new construction.
Prohibits natural gas infrastructure in newly constructed buildings. The unanimously-passed measure will apply to all residential and commercial construction, though developers can apply for "technology feasibility" waivers.
By updating its energy code, the City aims to ban the use of fossil fuels in new commercial and large multi-family construction for space and most water heating.
New residential and commercial building construction will be required to utilize all-electric power, starting with projects that file permits in 2021.
Explores recent actions to electrify buildings, breaking down the legal mechanics of local laws and the role of state laws in facilitating or constraining local policies, particularly natural gas bans in California and Massachusetts.
Analyzes 12 case studies and surveys the different policy options before local communities before offering model code language on building electrification.
Seattle's Executive Order 2020-01, among other things, bans the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels in all new city-owned buildings, and calls for a plan to transition existing buildings away from fossil fuels by 2021.
Requires all new residential buildings to be all-electric, while nonresidential and high-rise residential buildings are electric preferred.
All construction permit applications for new buildings in the city must submit a declaration that their design is “Natural Gas-Free.”