By Melissa Yu
On June 17th, a proposed ordinance that would require climate-friendly, all-electric new construction in Berkeley will have a chance to clear a final hurdle before it can go to the City Council for a vote this summer. The ordinance, introduced by Councilmember Kate Harrison, would phase out installation of polluting gas infrastructure when issuing permits for new buildings. It is an important next step toward achieving clean, healthy, and affordable homes for our community.
All-electric buildings can save homeowners money by lowering utility bills. Modern, high-efficiency electric heating technologies can also cost less up-front than their gas counterparts — especially when installed during new construction — because there's no need to extend costly gas pipelines and infrastructure.
Building electrification is an essential strategy to curb climate and air pollution. Berkeley has set ambitious emission reduction goals — but the city is 18 percent behind its 2020 target. Building electrification will play an important role in helping us meet these goals; In Berkeley, 27% of city-wide greenhouse gas emissions come from the use of natural gas in the residential and commercial sectors.
Electric infrastructure is powered by increasingly clean sources. Here in Berkeley, our municipal buildings are powered by 100% carbon free electricity and electricity for privately owned buildings is 85% carbon free at a minimum. As a result, shifting to electric power in our buildings dramatically lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
Powering local homes and buildings with cleaner energy will improve public health by eliminating a substantial source of indoor air pollution. Fossil fuel appliances release dangerous toxins, leading to air pollution levels in some homes that would be illegal if measured outside. A recent study found that gas stoves may be responsible for up to 12 percent of childhood asthma cases.
Berkeley’s electrification ordinance is a sensible step toward achieving clean, healthy, and affordable homes for our community. Use our action form to send a message to City decision-makers telling them you support this effort to prioritize clean energy homes for our community. And please join us at the Berkeley's Facilities, Infrastructure, Transportation, Environment and Sustainability (FITES) Committee on June 17th to speak up for this ordinance!