Legislators, advocates introduce Better Buildings Act to create healthier, more affordable communities
Legislators double down on energy affordability by introducing legislation to build new homes with the latest energy efficiency measures, efficient electric equipment
Annapolis, MD — Delegate Adrian Boafo, Delegate Lorig Charkoudian, Senator Benjamin Brooks, and a coalition of energy, tenant rights, and healthy housing advocates hosted a press conference today to introduce the Better Buildings Act (HB973/ SB804), legislation that guarantees new buildings are constructed to healthy building standards that keeps energy bills low by maximizing energy efficiency and rely on state-of-the-art electric technology.
The Better Buildings Act would require newly constructed buildings and major renovations in Maryland to meet water and space heating demands without the use of costly, health-harming fossil fuels. The bill would also require new buildings to incorporate effective insulation, ensuring more affordable, comfortable, and resilient homes.
Amid rising energy costs in Maryland, underscored by Baltimore Gas & Electric’s recent rate hike, the Better Buildings Act can lock in long term savings on energy costs for Maryland households. Research shows that homes today can be built to the strongest energy efficiency standards at no or minimal extra cost compared to conventional buildings. According to RMI, gas customers in Maryland can save nearly $1,000 annually on average when upgrading to a heat pump and heat pump water heater.
Fossil fuel HVAC equipment in Maryland’s buildings releases health-harming pollutants such as NO2, a key ingredient of smog, which can undermine both indoor and outdoor air quality. Data shows that fossil fuel equipment in residential and commercial buildings emits more than three times as much health-harming NOx as all the state’s power plants put together. Constructing new buildings with the latest efficient electric appliances can improve Maryland’s air quality and create healthier, more comfortable homes for residents.
QUOTES BELOW:
“We can tackle both the cost of living and climate crises through bold legislation like the Better Buildings Act,” said Senator Benjamin Brooks. “Data shows that building to the highest energy efficiency standards and using efficient electric appliances can reduce construction costs, lower energy bills, and slash climate and air pollution. That’s why it’s imperative that Maryland legislators quickly move to pass this legislation.”
“The Better Buildings Act is our chance to build a better future for Maryland residents—one that doesn’t rely on costly, polluting fossil fuels,” said Brittany Baker, Maryland Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “By constructing Maryland’s future buildings with highly efficient electric appliances and ensuring that they have the latest weatherization measures, we can ensure lower energy costs, slash climate emissions from buildings, and improve both indoor and outdoor air quality for Marylanders. Lawmakers must seize on the growing momentum behind the Better Buildings Act and pass the legislation now.”
“It is critical that we pass the Better Buildings Act to protect the health of Marylanders and of our planet,” said Mariah Shriner, Climate Change Representative for the Sierra Club Maryland Chapter. “Buildings are one of the largest contributors to ozone pollution in Maryland, which has major impacts on our health and climate. We can change that by ensuring future residential and commercial buildings are built with affordable, state-of-the-art clean energy technology that does not emit greenhouse gases. The Better Buildings Act is crucial in helping us achieve not just our climate goals, but also in providing lower energy costs and improving air quality for Marylanders to breathe easier. We urge the Maryland General Assembly to pass the Better Buildings Act this session.
“Every new building that Maryland constructs can enhance the health and well-being of the state’s residents,” said Andrea Orozco, Faithful Advocacy Lead at Interfaith Power & Light. “Maryland lawmakers must work together at this moment to pass the Better Buildings Act. This legislation will ensure that our state’s future buildings are built to the highest energy efficiency standards and with efficient electric appliances such as heat pumps, delivering economic, health, and climate benefits to our neighbors across the state.”
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