Cities in the Bay Area are implementing strategies to reduce emissions and combat climate change, but AB 306 threatens these initiatives. This bill would prevent local governments from enacting stronger building codes promoting energy efficiency until 2031. Effective local codes in San Jose and Palo Alto demonstrate that updated standards can lower costs, cut pollution, and enhance public health. The measures adopted in these cities could be undermined by AB 306, which bypasses normal legislative processes and stifles local control during critical times of climate urgency.
AB 306 threatens progress by banning local governments from adopting stronger building codes that promote energy efficiency until 2031, limiting necessary improvements during intensifying climate disasters.
Smart building codes have proven to increase climate resilience, cut pollution, lower energy bills, and protect public health, as demonstrated in San Jose and Palo Alto.
San Jose and Palo Alto adopted building codes in 2019 that prioritized electrification and reduced reliance on gas, resulting in cleaner air and lower energy costs for residents.
Cities across California are following San Jose and Palo Alto's example by creating building codes that address local challenges and promote sustainability, despite the challenges posed by AB 306.
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