Milpitas City Hall

Milpitas City Council Votes to Protect Air Quality for Future Generations with Clean Buildings

Milpitas encourages all-electric new construction in unanimous vote

Milpitas, Calif. – On Tuesday evening, December 3, the Milpitas City Council voted unanimously in favor of all-electric reach codes for new construction and electric vehicle infrastructure. Milpitas voted to adopt local amendments to state building code (known as establishing a “Reach Code”), to encourage the development of healthier, safer, emissions-free buildings.

“Restricting emissions in new construction is essential to preserving our community,” said Carmen Montano, City of Milpitas Councilmember and SVCE Board Member. “Milpitas is committed to ensuring a healthy and safe environment for everyone.”

These reach codes focus on transitioning new buildings and transportation to clean electricity, moving away from fossil fuels. The codes will result in new buildings that improve air quality and promote public health, while offering economic savings. In a phased approach, the Milpitas City Council approved two tracks for developers: all electric (preferred) or mixed-fuel (electricity and natural gas) with all-electric readiness. SVCE provides support to its member cities in their consideration of reach codes that will lead to a cleaner, safer future.

“Milpitas is taking important action against carbon emissions,” said Girish Balachandran, SVCE CEO. “Joining a growing movement among fellow Santa Clara County cities, Milpitas is a part of a strong movement to create a more sustainable Silicon Valley.”

Milpitas joins fellow Santa Clara County cities, Morgan Hill, Mountain View and San Jose, with adopting reach codes. Nine other SVCE member communities are also considering reach codes this year. Statewide, there are more than 50 communities considering reach codes to address carbon pollution from new construction. Learn more at svcleanenergy.org/reach-codes.

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About Silicon Valley Clean Energy
Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a community-owned agency serving the majority of Santa Clara County communities, acquiring clean, carbon-free electricity on behalf of more than 270,000 residential and commercial customers. As a public agency, net revenues are returned to the community to keep rates competitive and promote clean energy programs. Member jurisdictions include Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Saratoga, Sunnyvale and unincorporated Santa Clara County. SVCE is guided by a Board of Directors, which is comprised of a representative from the governing body of each member community. For more information, please visit SVCleanEnergy.org.

About the City of Milpitas

Located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay, Milpitas is a progressive community that is an integral part of Silicon Valley. A full-service city with water utility, sewer utility, police and fire services, Milpitas celebrates an incredibly diverse population of nearly 80,000, the highest population of ethnicities in all of Santa Clara County. The City has seen a significant rise in development activity and with the upcoming Milpitas BART station and transit center, which will serve as a key local and regional connection to the high-tech, job-rich northwestern areas of Santa Clara County. Under a Council-Manager form of government, the City Council has established the following seven priority areas: public safety, environment, transportation and transit, economic development and job growth, neighborhoods and housing, community wellness and open space, and governance and administration.

Media Contacts
Pamela Leonard
Communications Manager
O: 408-721-5301 x1004
pamela.leonard@svcleanenergy.org

Jennifer Yamaguma
Public Information Officer
O: 408-586-3055
jyamaguma@ci.milpitas.ca.gov