WASHINGTON -- President Joseph Biden released a far-reaching plan Wednesday that outlined the actions his administration will take to tackle climate change both domestically and internationally. With the scientific target squarely in focus -- reaching net zero emissions by 2050 in order to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius -- the new administration laid out elements of a roadmap for the nation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in sectors across society, from agriculture to manufacturing.
Sacramento, CA-- Today the California Energy Commission held a workshop about the proposed updates to the building code for low-rise residential buildings.
The commission is proposing to transition to a partial electric heating standard in buildings in 2022 and head toward all-electric heating in buildings in 2025. Although this is the right direction, the proposal moves too slowly, still allowing building new homes with fossil fuel powered heating and cooling systems for years to come. Given the speed of climate change and urgency for action to transition away from fossil fuel dependence in the newly built environment of the next decade, we need bolder leadership from California.
Gov. Gav. Newsom recently proposed $1.5 billion dollars be invested in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The purpose of this commitment is to facilitate his Sept. 23 executive order that required only new EV cars and passenger trucks be sold in California by 2035.
"It’s horrifying that the monarch’s population has fallen so low; it’s great to hear that the Fish and Wildlife Service, after conducting an ‘intensive, thorough review,’ agrees that the monarch deserves new protections. And it’s absurd that the agency is punting on any sort of plan to protect this important species."
Today Environment California Research and Policy Center launched the California Voices for 100% Project, highlighting 40 prominent California leaders, legislators, and academics who are calling to accelerate the state’s renewable electricity goal. The project launches ahead of the California Energy Commission’s Thursday meeting on SB100 -- the 2018 law that commits California to acquiring all its electricity from clean, renewable sources by 2045.
Environment California Research and Policy Center is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change.
