A proposed ordinance that would require climate-friendly all-electric new construction in Berkeley will have its first subcommittee hearing this Thursday. Please come out and support this important step towards limiting Berkeley's reliance on fossil fuels!
WHEN: Thursday, March 7th at 2:00 PM
WHERE: 1947 Center Street, Berkeley, Basement - Multi-Purpose Room
The ordinance, introduced by Councilmember Kate Harrison, would achieve the goal of electrification by phasing out installation of polluting gas infrastructure when issuing permits for new buildings. Modern, high-efficiency electric heating technologies (like heat pumps) can be lower cost than their gas counterparts — especially when installed during new construction — because there's no need to extend costly gas pipelines and infrastracture.
This action follows the City Council's June 2018 declaration of a city-wide Climate Emergency. That resolution was aimed at reviewing the City’s greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies, commitments, and progress in light of recent political, scientific and climatic developments. In Berkeley, 23% greenhouse gas emissions come from the building sector, a majority of which (73%) arise from use of natural gas. The City is approximately 18% behind its 2020 goal for greenhouse gas emission reductions.
The proposed ordinance also aligns with state priorities. In February, the California Energy Commission unanimously approved a statewide energy policy report that identifies building electrification as an essential strategy to curb climate and air pollution.
Gas appliances like furnaces and water heaters in our homes and buildings are a major source of climate and air pollution, burning more gas and producing more greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) than all of California’s gas power plants. Additionally, methane leaks associated with gas extraction and transport add substantially to the climate impact of gas. The Environmental Defense Fund estimates that “[a]bout 25% of the manmade global warming we're experiencing is caused by methane emissions."
Electric infrastructure, on the other hand, is powered by increasingly clean sources. Berkeley residents and businesses are served by the local electricity supplier East Bay Community Energy, which is committed to helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meeting our community climate action goals. EBCE's standard power mix is cleaner and cheaper than PG&E's. Residents and businesses can also choose a 100% carbon-free or renewable service for a small premium.