Proposed ordinance requires all-electric new construction
11/13 UPDATE: Mountain View City Council voted unanimously to pass a reach code for new construction. The code will go into effect January 1, 2020 and prohibits natural gas use in almost all building types while increasing the amount of EV charging infrastructure at all new buildings.
Mountain View, Calif. – Last night, the Mountain View City Council had its first reading of groundbreaking local amendments to the State Building Code that would require electricity as the only fuel source for new buildings. The amendments also included solar panel (photovoltaic) installation and electric vehicle charging infrastructure requirements. By adopting a local amendment to the codes (known as establishing a “Reach Code”), cities can require healthier, safer, emissions-free buildings. The proposed Reach Codes are an important part of the City’s Sustainability Action Plan, and would go into effect January 1, 2020.
“The new codes are one of the many important actions the City of Mountain View is taking as part of a comprehensive sustainability plan to benefit the environment for years to come,” said Mountain View Mayor Lisa Matichak. “With the Council’s adoption of a strong reach code last night, the list of areas where Mountain View is a leader is even longer.”
“I believe that adopting better building codes for new construction is an essential step to attaining the greenhouse gas reductions we must achieve to protect our environment and future,” said Margaret Abe-Koga, City of Mountain View Vice Mayor and Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) Board Chair.
These reach codes focus on transitioning transportation and buildings to clean electricity, and move away from fossil fuels. The codes will result in new buildings that improve air quality and promote public health, while offering economic savings. SVCE provides support to its member cities in their consideration of reach codes that will lead to a cleaner, safer future.
“Mountain View should be proud of its leadership with this important action that will prevent carbon emissions from new buildings,” said Girish Balachandran, SVCE CEO. “As one of SVCE’s founding cities, Mountain View continues to show that they will take significant actions to help us meet our carbon reduction goals.”
In order to meet the state’s carbon reduction goals, cities recognize that more must be done to stop pollution from transportation and buildings. Mountain View is joined by the 11 other SVCE member communities reviewing reach codes. Statewide, there are more than 50 communities considering reach codes to address carbon pollution from new construction. Learn more at svcleanenergy.org/reach-codes.
###
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.
Media Contact
Pamela Leonard
Communications Manager
O: 408-721-5301 x1004
pamela.leonard@svcleanenergy.org
