California officially became the first state in the nation on Wednesday, Dec. 5 to require homes built in 2020 and later be solar powered.
To a smattering of applause, the California Building Standards Commission voted unanimously to add energy standards approved last May by another panel to the state building code.
Two commissioners and several public speakers lauded the new code as “a historic undertaking” and a model for the nation.
“These provisions really are historic and will be a beacon of light for the rest of the country,” said Kent Sasaki, a structural engineer and one of six commissioners voting for the new energy code. “(It’s) the beginning of substantial improvement in how we produce energy and reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.”
The new provisions are expected to dramatically boost the number of rooftop solar panels in the Golden State. Last year, builders took out permits for more than 115,000 new homes — almost half of them for single-family homes. …
This article was originally published by the Orange County Register
Or ‘how to mandate stupidity’. Like the dims in this formerly great state are so prone to do.
BSC members represent the public, building design professionals, the building and construction industry, local government building officials, fire officials, and labor. (“members represent the public”……..?) These eleven
members are appointed by the Governor. It appears there is little, if any,
representation from the public.
One should be wary of this type of “legislation”, it leads to “commissions” that write the law and act as a cover for politicians. I’ve always thought
that those living in the inner valleys should take advantage of generating
their own power for cooling their homes. I recall when just about everyone
had a “Swamper” on the roof, or protruding from a window; But then, the
cost was reasonable. How many more of these commissions are going to
demand other adjustments or additions to your homes; Observe what they
have accomplished with automobiles.
Great article. Understandably climate change deniers will come up with different unscientific and unproven narratives to question this legislation but make no mistake, in the near future this type of legislation will become one of the most significant environmental friendly piece of legislation as it’ll fast track renewable energy transition especially as solar energy keeps gaining mainstream attention.
I’m not surprised that the great state of Carlifornia is the first state taking this action. I’m just happy they’re again setting an example for other states on how to be a bit more committed in protecting the future of our planet. Thanks for the write up.