Accelerating Electrification and Rapid, Economical Building Development Can Harmonize Together

In a recent development, Governor Gavin Newsom (D) of California has prioritised faster construction over cleaner buildings, enacting a law that pauses updates to state building codes for six years. This decision comes as California already boasts some of the strongest efficiency standards in the country [1].

Meanwhile, Georgia has taken a step towards renewable energy with a program that allows homeowners to lease rooftop solar panels for free [2]. This move could encourage more households to adopt solar power, contributing to a greener energy mix.

Across the nation, cities such as New York, Seattle, and San Francisco have been implementing regulations for energy-efficient buildings. These measures, while leading to increased upfront construction costs, promise significant long-term savings in energy expenses and reduced environmental impact [3].

New York has recently approved an all-electric building code, banning gas and other fossil fuels in most new buildings [4]. A 2022 RMI study found that all-electric homes in Boston are slightly less expensive to build and operate than mixed-fuel homes [5]. Similarly, a 2019 analysis estimated that building an all-electric home cost less than a gas-powered home in most parts of California [6].

However, a setback in the clean energy sector has arisen with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rolling back federal clean energy funding. Targeting $7 billion earmarked for states, cities, tribes, and nonprofits under the Solar for All program, the EPA's clawback of these funds has sparked promises of lawsuits from advocates [7]. Jeff St. John of our website has reported on this promised lawsuit, highlighting the impact it could have on burgeoning solar projects across the country [8].

The Solar for All program, created under the Biden administration, aims to help low- and moderate-income households tap into solar power [9]. The clawback of the program funds comes just as grant awardees were starting to spend their federal dollars, potentially causing disruptions in the implementation of these projects.

California, which is facing a severe housing shortage, particularly in Los Angeles due to wildfire destruction, has still managed to permit around 1,100 new units of housing over the last two years [10]. Of these, 160 units will be affordable. In 2024, the Boston suburb of Lexington banned gas hookups in new construction and adopted an efficiency-boosting building code [11].

As the country navigates the balance between construction speed and clean energy adoption, the impact of these decisions will continue to unfold. A more efficient home typically means lower power bills, which translate to even more savings [12]. The importance of these initiatives in reducing energy expenses, lowering environmental impact, and promoting renewable energy cannot be overstated.

Moreover, Colorado is finalising three programs to boost solar deployment and workforce development [13]. These initiatives could help further the clean energy transition, providing opportunities for growth and innovation in the sector.

In conclusion, while the EPA's clawback of the Solar for All program funds poses a challenge, the momentum towards renewable energy and energy efficiency continues. With initiatives like Georgia's solar leasing program and New York's all-electric building code, there is hope for a greener, more sustainable future.

Accelerating Electrification and Rapid, Economical Building Development Can Harmonize Together