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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/17/2019 Item 5, StevenTUESDAY SEPTEMBER 3 2019THE THE TRIBUNE � r ���� 3A SANLUISOBISPO.COM L FACEBOOK.COM/SLOTRIBUNE , TWITTER.COM/SLOTRIBUNE Council to decide new building policy pushing electric over gas BY NICK WILSON nwilson@thetribunenews.com After months of com- munity -wide discussion, debate and consideration, the San Luis Obispo City Council will meet Tues- day evening to decide whether to move forward with a new "clean energy policy" that prioritizes using electric appliances over gas in new city build- ings. The policy would es- tablish a resolution that all new buildings "should be all electric and that energy use in new buildings should not cause net addi- tional greenhouse gas emissions." But city official empha- size the proposal isn't a ban on natural gas hook- ups in new buildings, like the city of Berkeley has passed. Builders could still in= stall natural gas applianc- es in new homes and commercial spaces, but they'd have to retrofit other existing city build- ings from gas to electric, or pay an in -lieu fee to support a SLO retrofit program. And new build- ings that use natural gas would still have to be wired for potential future conversion to electric. Tuesday's meeting begins at 6 p.m. at council 'chambers at 990 Palm St. The city has received dozens of correspondence letters from community members arguing both sides of the proposal. The item likely will be discussed later in the evening, possibly at 7 p.m. or later, after the council addresses other city busi- ness in advance of the estimated 90 -minute discussion. The council has set a 2035 carbon neutrality target, 10 years ahead of California's, with the vision of reducing as much carbon dioTide and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere as possible, with the overall goal to achieve a zero carbon footprint. Carp p neutrality is achievealargely by re- placing fossil fuel energy sources that emit green- house gases with renew- ables like solar and wind. And because the city is implementing its Community Choice Energy program that pri- marily uses renewable sources of energy to pow- er buildings, the proposed new policy is viewed as an important step in reducing carbon emissions. The council also has talked about a shift from using gas -fueled to elec- tric cars and it has encour- aged residents to use alternative forms of trans- portation to reduce car trips, among other city goals to reduce carbon emissions. SLO's controversial building proposal has been loudly supported by environmentalists and climate action advocates, who are championing the 2035 carbon neutrality target. But it has been opposed by gas industry repre- sentatives, Republican county Supervisor Debbie Arnold and residents who argue the cost of natural gas will be less and the plan would limit energy choice. SLO is joining more than 50 other California communities currently considering ways to en- courage cleaner buildings, according to city officials. SLO officials have stated that the cost'of, shifting to electric -pow- ered homes, in compari- son to gas, will be similar or less. "Cost is a concern for' our community," the city stated in a press release. "By avoiding the installa- tion of costly fossil fuel infrastructure, and in - building piping and venti- lation, all electric new buildings are typically more affordable to build, and thanks to the state mandated solar require- ment for residential build- ings, we'll see fewer rate fluctuations on utility bills." Starting in 2020, all new homes in California must come with solar panels. SLO's new energy pol- icy would come with some exemptions, such as for commercial kitchens that would be allowed to in- clude natural gas for cook- ing appliance.s Attached accessory dwelling units also would be exempted. The county library sys- tem is currently allowing people to borrow a portable induction cooktop powered by elec tricity to take them home and try them out. For more information, go to my.nicheacademy.com /countyofslopublic librariesmakerkits /course/8464. Nick Wilson: 8057781-7922, @NickWilsonTrib V 4 'sk W 4V -W W i r - or V�,.--­or ir .7- *