Environment America has many roles. I am responsible for driving the overall clean energy program and supporting state organizations in achieving our vision of a cleaner, more sustainable future.
It is well-documented that we have the ability. power our society100% renewable energy derived from the sun, wind and warmth of the Earth. It is important that we make sure that our homes, workplaces, buildings, and other buildings are ready for the renewable energy we harness. There is still much to be done. 2019 Three out of every fourAmerican homes still rely on fossil fuels for heat, hot water, or to power appliances. This fossil fuel dependence is a contributing factor to many environmental and public health issues, including global warming.
Renewable energy sources are becoming more popular at a time when they are more accessible. Widely available and more affordableAmerica’s clean energy journey is now more important than ever. We must ensure that buildings can run on electricity generated from the sun and wind.
Legislators, environmentalists, and consumer advocates across the country are working together to achieve this transition. Below I highlight some of the key initiatives taking place this spring.
In MarylandThe Climate Solutions Now Act gives Maryland policymakers clear guidance on how to switch their communities to renewable energy. The bill, SB528 in Senate and the companion bills in House, would provide specific steps to make Maryland’s buildings more energy-efficient. The legislation would:
- Sets goals to reduce global warming emissions by 60% by 2030 and net zero by 2045.
- A Building Emissions Performance Standard should be created for buildings larger than 25,000 sq. to reduce emissions from state buildings to net zero by 2035 and privately owned buildings to net zero by 2040.
- To study and make recommendations on how to reduce global warming pollution from buildings, and retrofit existing buildings with tax credits, subsidies, or other state support, create a Building Energy Transition Implementation Team.
- Transition state government vehicles, school buses, and other vehicles to electric.
- Tax incentives are available to encourage community solar for those with low and moderate incomes.
In ColoradoAn energy buildings bill is in progress that would allow for all-electric buildings to become a reality across the state. In its current form, however, the bill would only allow for some new construction that uses gas to power.
In the meantime, there are several bills being considered. MassachusettsThey offer crucial opportunities to make the transition towards cleaner and greener homes. These opportunities include:
- The Better Buildings Act requires large residential and commercial buildings, both residential and commercial, to report their energy usage to the Department of Energy Resources and to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions over time. The least efficient buildings would have to reduce their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by 20% over five-years. These standards will result in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from large buildings of at least 80% by 2040.
- The 100% Clean Act would make Massachusetts 100% clean energy by 2045. It would also require all new homes to be built without fossil-fuels by 2025. The same requirement would apply to commercial buildings by 2030.
Already, top legislators, including the Speaker of the House and Senate President, have expressed their interest in climate legislation. The Bay State could wind up with a watered down bill that fails to address the current challenges if it does not make a concerted effort.
In ConnecticutThe state legislature’s Housing Committee recently proposed that Connecticut phase out fossil fuels in new residential construction. Advocates are working now to bring that idea through the process before it ends on May 4th 2022.
In New YorkAdvocates are working to expand NYC’s requirement that all new construction does not use fossil fuels. New YorkGovernor Kathy Hochul supported the idea in a policy plan that calls for the state’s adoption of legislation requiring new buildings to use low-emission heat sources. This would result in a tenfold increase of the current rate at which electric heat is adopted. One of the key points of contention is whether the bill would go into effect immediately or wait until 2027 to be implemented.
More resources:
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