5/21/2023

State Natural Gas Moratoriums

California In response to Aliso Canyon the CA PUC proposed a moratorium on new Commercial

and Industrial natural gas hook-ups in late (2017 – 2018). Public outcry from the business sector forced the CA PUC to withdraw the proposal in February 2018.

In March 2019 the City of Carlsbad adopted an ordinance requiring non-gas water heating equipment (solar or electric) in all new low-rise residential construction.

On July 16, 2019, the Berkeley City Council unanimously voted for an ordinance that will ban natural gas pipelines in many new buildings. Public support for the legislation was unanimous as well – the measure received support from University of California’s Office of the President, PG&E and the Sierra Club. Berkeley’s ordinance, which goes into effect on January 1, will ban gas hook-ups in new multi-family construction, with some allowances for first-floor retail and certain types of large structures.

o The California Restaurant Association filed a complaint in federal court November 21 alleging Berkeley’s ordinance violates the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and state laws governing local building codes by imposing restrictions that are beyond Berkeley’s authority. CRA seeks a declaration that the ordinance is void, as well as a preliminary and then permanent injunction against its enforcement.

San Luis Obispo City Council wants to update the city building code to require all new residential and non-residential buildings to support only electric wiring. Once approved, the ordinance would take effect in San Luis Obispo at the start of 2020. On September 3, 2019 the San Luis Obispo City Council voted 4-1 to move forward with an ordinance that paves the way for all-electric new buildings. On September 17 however, conflict-of-interest concerns were raised as one of the city council members who initially voted in favor of the ordinance is a partner in an architecture firm that stood to benefit handsomely from the new code. The timeline on a new vote is now unclear. The new law either mandates constructing buildings with all electric power or, alternately, retrofitting gas-powered buildings to electric elsewhere in the city. A third option is to pay an in-lieu fee in the thousands of dollars to help fund retrofits elsewhere in the city that transition from gas to electric. The in-lieu fee would range from $6,013 for a typical single-family residence up to $88,549 for a large office of 54,000 square feet, according to a city council staff report. On April 7, 2020 the SLO City Council will consider adoption of the Clean Energy Choice Program for New Buildings. The program encourages all-electric new-buildings but does not ban natural gas; new buildings can include natural gas by participating in the Carbon Offset Program.

On September 3 the City of San Mateo adopted a reach code ordinance requiring new construction be either all electric or exceed certain efficiency requirements for mixed-fuel buildings.

On September 4, 2019 the Windsor Town Council voted to adopt a new building code requiring new low-rise residential development (single-family homes, detached

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accessory dwelling units, and multi-family buildings up to three-stories) to be fully-electric.

o On November 19th two local developers filed suit in California state court alleging the ordinance violated California’s state environmental protection act and failed to make the requisite “cost-effectiveness” showing required under Title 24 to adopt a reach code.

On September 16 Palo Alto City Manager Ed Shikada told city council he hopes to have an update of the city codes ready for the council’s review by November 4, 2019. On November 4 the city council adopted a resolution declaring the City’s intent to mandate all-electric service for new construction effective July 2020. On December 2, city council adopted a reach code creating an all-electric mandate for new low-rise residential construction effective April 2020. Council also noted plans to engage the Utilities Advisory Commission on scalable, cost-effective rebates for retrofitting existing homes to promote more electric utility service.

On September 17, 2019 with a unanimous vote by the 10-member city council and Mayor Sam Liccardo, San Jose became the largest U.S. city so far to ban natural gas in most new residential buildings beginning next year. The ban includes new single-family and low-rise multi-family buildings. As expected, the city council adopted new building codes that favor electrification over natural gas during a meeting. The vote also required the council to return next month with an ordinance that would go further by banning natural gas in most new buildings. Mayor Liccardo had pushed for the stricter rules in recent days. San Jose’s measure falls short of an outright ban on natural gas in new buildings such as the one passed by nearby Berkeley, California, earlier this year because it would not include high-rise buildings, but the council voted to study whether to include buildings up to seven stories in the coming months.

As of September 18, an effort to propose an all-electric reach code in Monte Sereno has stalled. Public opposition to the reach code proposal outnumbered support at the stakeholder meeting held by the city and Silicon Valley Clean Energy on the 18th. See Attachment C.

On September 24, 2019 the Menlo Park city council voted to formally adopt an ordinance banning natural gas in all new commercial, industrial, and high-rise apartment buildings. Ordinance 1057 was first read at a city council meeting on September 10, 2019. By Jan. 1, 2020, heating systems in all new homes and buildings in the city must run on electricity, and all new commercial, office and industrial buildings, as well as high-rise residences, must rely entirely on electricity, the Menlo Park City Council decided Tuesday night. Although new one- and two-story homes will be allowed to have natural gas stoves, they must be built “electric ready” with the proper wiring to enable all-electric operation in the future. However, the council decided not to make an exception and mandated that all new restaurants and dryers run fully on electricity and that homes are built “electric-ready.” City staff reversed an earlier proposal to offer restaurants an exemption for natural gas cooking appliances after further researching the benefits of electric-run induction stoves. Natural gas stoves, however, will still be allowed in homes because they are overwhelming preferred by residents. Restaurants and commercial business owners will be able to appeal the electric stove requirement to the city’s environmental equality commission, but the standards for an appeal are still being evaluated by city staff.

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On September 24, 2019 the Santa Rosa City Council reviewed a proposal to adopt an all-electric reach code for all new residential construction of buildings up to three-stories high. The first reading is expected to occur on November 12, 2019 and the second on November 19, 2019. The resolution received unanimous approval in its first reading. The final version of the ordinance passed on November 19. The city’s proposal is not a stand alone ordinance but rather modifies the California Energy Code with local amendments.

o On October 22, Sonoma County developer Bill Gallaher challenged the city’s position that the all-electric code is exempt from the state’s stringent environmental review requirements. Gallaher also questioned the sufficiency of the city’s cost-effective analysis.

o At least one mandatory settlement conference on the litigation against Windsor has taken place, and another such meeting with Santa Rosa is set for early February.

On September 24, 2019 the Santa Monica City Council voted to approve an ordinance requiring new low-rise buildings to be all-electric. On September 10, 2019 Santa Monica city council staff presented a study entitled “Decarbonizing Buildings Through Electrification.” Staff recommended that the City Council review and comment on building electrification strategies to provide policy direction on priorities for achieving carbon emission reductions. The presentation spurred discussion on topics including retrofitting buildings for electrification of heat pumps; incentives for electrification; providing proactive education and guidance; what is being done to incentive citizens; using caution in implementing a program without having a solution; sensitivity to kitchen culture in restaurants; how significantly large buildings proceed to retrofit; providing assistance to lower income residents; benchmarking and energy audits; and demonstration projects for such items as induction stoves and electric cars.

A report issued by the San Jose City Council’s transportation and environment committee expects the following cities to require or consider requiring at least all new low-rise residential (LRR) buildings to be all-electric: Albany (date unknown), Oakland (November 5), and Petaluma (October).

On September 24 San Francisco Supervisor Rafael Mandelman introduced an ordinance to make it more costly and difficult for developers to construct buildings with natural gas. Mandelman also announced that he will propose legislation in the next six months that will ban natural gas in all new residential and commercial buildings in San Francisco. Supervisor Vallie Brown also introduced legislation to ban natural gas in all new construction and major renovations of municipal buildings starting Jan. 1, 2020. The legislation that Mandelman proposed Tuesday would require developers to either build with 100 percent electric energy or add extra insulation to walls, more energy-efficient windows and more energy-efficient equipment, such as water heaters and lights.

On September 24 the San Francisco Board of Supervisors board approved an ordinance that requires existing commercial buildings over 50,000 square feet to begin relying on electricity generated from renewable sources. The ordinance requires buildings larger than 500,000 square feet to only use renewable electricity by 2022. By 2024, buildings from 250,000 to 500,000 square feet will be under the same requirements. Buildings 50,000 square feet or larger must meet the requirement by 2030.

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In October 2019 Marin County began considering efforts to go above and beyond the state building standards. County supervisors expressed interest in eventually banning natural gas altogether. For now, the county requires buildings to have additional energy efficiency if they are built with natural gas appliances. The county’s current ordinance only distinguishes between all-electric and all-gas appliance homes. Recognizing that many builders and homebuyers are reluctant to giving up gas stovetops, the county is now proposing that buildings with natural gas for stovetops and fireplaces only may have fewer energy-efficiency mitigations. The county’s sustainability planner noted that electrification is still a new topic for builders and homeowners and that phasing out natural gas completely would warrant a separate public process. 

On October 8, 2019 Marin County updated its county code to offer 3 updated compliance pathways: one for all electric construction, one for limited mixed fuel (gas stoves) construction, and mixed fuel construction. The mixed fuel pathway requires the most strict compliance with Cal Green Tier 1 and electrification readiness requirements. The limited mixed fuel pathway has fewer efficiency requirements because this pathway uses less gas.

The city of Truckee is currently working with the Geo Institute to develop a climate change Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan for the community. The resulting climate change adaptation plan for Truckee will be focus on protecting diverse populations, natural resources, local culture, the economy, and infrastructure from climate impacts. Southwest Gas believes this plan includes a natural gas moratorium. As of October 2019, the assessment is in the Stakeholder and Public Workshop stage.

The city of Cupertino expects to have a draft reach code ordinance ready for a first reading by November. City staff delivered a report to the Planning Commission on September 10. The city’s Sustainability Commission discussed proposed reach codes at its October 24 meeting. At that meeting, staff recommended a mostly-electric residential reach code to limit natural gas to only cooking, outdoor, and fireplace use for residential low-rise new construction. The reach codes under consideration in Cupertino and other Silicon Valley cities are focused on new residential, commercial, and multifamily buildings that will be seeking building permits after January 2020. On November 19 City Council held a study session on proposed reach code and expressed overall support for going all electric. On December 17 city council voted to adopt reach codes that prohibit natural gas/propane use entirely and require all-electric appliances. The reach code applies to new low and high-rise residential, mixed-use, hotel, office, and retail construction. Several categories of buildings are excepted from the all-electric requirement, including factories, restaurants, hospitals, laboratories, and “essential facilities.”

On October 14 the Environmental Commission of the city of Los Altos recommended that the full city council vote to adopt building electrification codes that require either all newly-constructed homes be all-electric or mixed-fuel with enhanced efficiency measures. It is expected a reach code ordinance will be introduced on October 22. The ordinance passed on November 11.

o Relatedly the City of Los Altos expects the following cities to take up reach codes (attachment C from the above hyperlink)

Los Altos Hills voted on September 19th to introduce reach codes at an undetermined future date.

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On October 21 the Gilroy City Council received a staff report on reach codes from city building officials. City Council directed staff not to include the proposed reach codes in the upcoming building code update.

On October 22, San Mateo County Supervisors heard a recommendation from the county manager’s office of sustainability to provide input and direction to staff on any proposed energy reach code and green building code amendment measures in the Unincorporated County areas for the 2019 California Building Standards Code update. The county is considering following Menlo Park’s lead by requiring all-electric new single family and low-rise multifamily buildings with exceptions for natural gas stoves and fireplaces. Pre-wiring for electric appliances is required where natural gas appliances are used. New high rise multifamily and new non-residential buildings would be all-electric under the Menlo Park model. The sustainability officer ultimately recommended officials move forward with putting reach codes in place first and said staff could present information to them at a future meeting on a natural gas ban. Supervisor Dave Pine asked the los County Counsel’s Office to look into the legality of enacting a natural gas infrastructure ban.

On October 22, 2019 the Mountain View City Council approved reach building codes for all new homes effective next year. The prohibition will also come with steep requirements for electric vehicle charging spaces for future residential and commercial development, and a potential ban on wood stoves and outdoor fire pits. The "reach codes," which will go into effect next year, will require all single-family homes, duplexes, multi-unit housing and commercial development to have electric heating, cooling, water heaters and cooking appliances. Though city building staff initially recommended that single-family homes could continue to use gas for cooking appliances and fireplaces, council members rejected the idea. Despite the crackdown on gas stoves, council members agreed to have a special waiver available for commercial kitchens that require natural gas for cooking appliances to prepare dishes that can't be cooked using electric alternatives. A potential ban on wood-burning stoves and outdoor fire pits is tentatively scheduled to come back to the council for approval next year.

On October 23, the Morgan Hill City Council voted to adopt an ordinance that will require all new housing developments that apply for building permits after March 2020 to be entirely electrically powered and heated, with no natural gas hookups. Mayor Rich Constantine opposed the ordinance. The ordinance includes an exception for developments that can prove to the council that not using natural gas infrastructure in the project “is not feasible.”

On October 30 the Hayward Sustainability Committee received a report from the Director of Public Works on proposed reach codes. As proposed the ordinance would require all new low-rise residential buildings to be all-electric. New non-residential buildings may be mixed-fuel but have to meet certain stringent efficiency requirements. The ordinance was scheduled to be voted on at the December 3 City Council meeting but is not listed in the meeting materials.

On November 4 a majority of the Redwood City Council expressed interest in adopting reach codes requiring only electric appliances in new construction, but ultimately held off on a vote until at least the next regular meeting on November 25. Vice Mayor Diane Howard said she’s uncomfortable moving so quickly on reach codes and suggested a

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year or more of community engagement is necessary. Another councilmember expressed concern over the reliability of California’s electric grid before becoming wholly dependent on it. A majority of councilmembers agreed to exempt restaurants and laboratories from the potential new rules because their daily operations might not be possible without natural gas. Reach codes also will not apply to remodels of homes. At the November 25 meeting, staff noted they anticipate bringing a proposed reach code before city council on January 13, 2020. On January 13, a study session was held where the council expressed interest in electrification but noted that greater community outreach needed to be done first.

During a discussion of potential reach codes on November 4, the Burlingame City Council expressed a number of reservations with the potential unintended consequences associated with the effort to ban natural gas usage. While no decision was made during the study session, councilmembers signaled they supported the intent of the initiative but would not consider taking action without more thoroughly examining the potential policy. Burlingame officials inched nearer to establishing reach codes at the behest of environmental advocates at its February 18 city council study session. While no decision was made at the meeting, Mayor Emily Beach along with councilmen Michael Brownrigg and Ricardo Ortiz supported the ban but Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien Keighran and Councilwoman Donna Colson maintained reservations. Recognizing the divergent opinions on the proposal, City Manager Lisa Goldman said more deliberation is required and the issue will return for further exploration later

On November 5 the city of Alameda voted to limit natural gas infrastructure for new residential construction on city-owned property. The resolution declares the city’s intent to minimize, and where possible eliminate, natural gas infrastructure associated with newly constructed residential projects on City-owned land. The city council report notes staff does plan to prepare Citywide ordinances that would limit new gas infrastructure in newly constructed buildings and encourage or require “electrification” in existing buildings. However, these ordinances will take some time to prepare and implement. Staff is currently working closely with residential developers throughout Alameda to learn more about the cost implications to housing construction costs of an outright prohibition on the use of gas in all residential structures. In the meantime, staff is encouraging them to limit the use of natural gas infrastructure in their developments.

In November Milpitas recently voted in favor of an electrification preference ordinance for new construction. Milpitas’ reach code has higher energy efficiency requirements for mixed fuel buildings and has an electrification readiness provisions for a future transition off gas to all electric. While Milpitas’ code does not require all electric new construction, it is designed to push developers towards electrification via the alleged costs savings that will be achieved with all electric appliances, wiring, and piping.

On November 12 the Pacifica City Council introduced a reach code for new construction that has electrification requirements for some appliances and exceptions for others. In new residential buildings, Pacifica’s reach code requires electric fuel sources for space heating, water heating, and clothes drying, though gas can be used for cooking appliances and fire places. In new non-residential buildings, space and water heating/cooling, cooking appliances, fireplaces, and clothes dryers must be all electric, but there is a gas exemption for emergency services public agencies and nonresidential

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kitchens (such as for-profit restaurants). On November 25 city council voted to adopt the reach codes.

Encinitas City Environmental Commissioner James Wang is urging his fellow commissioners to seek City Council approval for an ordinance prohibiting the installation of natural gas infrastructure in new buildings. The proposed natural gas ban met with a mixed reaction at the November 14 commission meeting. Three of his fellow commissioners said they wanted more information about the new heating and cooking equipment options before they would consider backing the proposed ban, and the nine public speakers on the item were roughly evenly divided. Ultimately, the commission decided to collect more information and revisit the proposal at its Dec. 8 meeting.

On November 18 Mill Valley introduced a strong electrification preference ordinance for new construction. A public hearing is set for December 2 to review the ordinance. Mill Valley’s proposed reach code closely resembles Marin County’s recently passed reach code. The ordinance requires new residential mixed-fuel buildings to comply with enhanced energy efficiency requirements.

Saratoga introduced a reach code on November 20 with a final vote scheduled for December 4. The ordinance passed on Dec. 4. The proposed ordinance mandates electric water and space heating in all newly constructed buildings with an exception for emergency centers. Additionally, if natural gas cooking appliances, fireplaces, or clothes dryers are used then electric pre-wiring is also required.

On November 21 the Brisbane City Council introduced a reach code ordinance requiring new residential buildings to have all-electric water and space heating appliances. The proposed ordinance does allow for natural gas cooking appliances but requires electric prewiring. The ordinance also requires new non-residential buildings to be all-electric. There are exceptions for life science buildings and instances where “non-electric building components are essential as a core component of the intended building use, such as a barbeque-themed restaurant, pizza oven, etc.” A final vote on the ordinance was successful on December 12.

The Healdsburg City Council introduced a reach code on December 2 with a final reading and passage scheduled for December 16. The vote was successful. The ordinance requires new construction be all-electric with exceptions for gas cooking and fireplaces. The ordinance also has a business necessity exception for non-residential buildings. All buildings are required to be pre-wired for future total electrification.

On December 3 the Los Gatos City Council introduced a reach code that would require new low-rise residential construction be all-electric except for cooking appliances. Additionally, all new low-rise residential construction must be pre-wired for all-electric appliances. Reach codes adopted on December 17.

On December 3 the Berkeley City Council passed a reach code to complement its natural gas ban ordinance passed in July, The reach code impacts all building permit applications for newly constructed buildings submitted on or after January 1, 2020, including those which already have approved land use permits. The proposed reach code encourages all-electric construction and specifies what is required for electric-readiness to enable future electrification when natural gas appliances are utilized. it

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provides two pathways for new buildings to demonstrate compliance with the Energy Code: Either new all-electric buildings or new mixed-fuel buildings with enhanced efficiency requirements and prewired for all-electric appliances.

At its December 17 meeting the Dublin City Council received an update on the city’s goal to reach net zero emissions by 2045. As part of that goal, city officials have proposed a natural gas ban requiring all new construction to rely only on “carbon-free” electricity and 100% renewable power sources. City staff will be preparing more details on steps the council can take, and assessing their impacts. The council could decide on those by March.

On January 14 the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to amend the city and county’s Environment Code. The ordinance requires that new construction and major renovations of municipal buildings to exclude natural gas and include exclusively all-electric energy sources.

On January 16, the California Public Utilities Commission launched a new rulemaking to regulate the state's transition away from natural gas, addressing issues related to stranded assets and unfair cost shifts among ratepayers. Regulators will also look into crafting updated reliability standards for gas systems. The rulemaking will be conducted in two tracks, with the second focused on developing this long-term strategy. Specifically, the commission intends to pinpoint what kind of gas infrastructure portfolios will be best suited for the state's utilities; how much of it is needed through 2045 and beyond; and how to address the short-term reliability need for gas in the IRP process. In the first track of the proceeding, the commission intends to review current reliability standards, and look into rules around long-term contracting and tariff changes, among other things. Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison are among the utilities named as respondents to the rulemaking. The CPUC is expected to release proposed decisions under the first track in April 2021 and May 2021. A proposed decisions under the second track is expected in August 2022.

A Climate Action Commission subcommittee is currently working to draft the city of Petaluma’s climate action and adaptation plan, and early goals include a microgrid pilot, going all electric and requiring solar on new buildings. Commissioners are also scheduled to discuss updating reach codes to include more stringent energy efficiency requirements to minimize greenhouse gas emissions as part of its long-term strategy. The Feb. 13 Climate Action Commission Meeting is expected to discuss electrification. The meeting will also see the presentation of a rough climate action plan that could sketch out how the city will move forward in balancing long-term and short-term resiliency goals with sustainability in mind. City staff is gearing up to propose electrification policies to council in late March or early April, with the Climate Action Commission slated to weigh in on the matter in February.

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On February 4 the Campbell City Council introduced an ordinance to prohibit the natural gas for heating and hot water in all new residential construction.

On February 11 San Mateo County unanimously approved an all-electric reach code, the strongest passed by a county government to date. The ordinance requires that all new construction be all-electric with a host of carve outs for labs, gas cooking and fireplaces, publicly owned emergency centers. Electric pre-wiring required in all new construction.

On February 18 the Richmond City Council introduced a reach code and approved it on first reading. The final adoption was approved on March 3. The reach codes require specific requirements by building type: New residential buildings less than 3 stories high are required to build all-electric space heating, water heating, and clothes dryer. Natural gas can still be used for stoves, fireplaces or other appliances if desired but pre-wiring for electric readiness is required where natural gas appliances are used. New nonresidential buildings and multifamily buildings greater than 3 stories are required to build all electric and install a minimum amount of on-site solar based on square footage. Residential and nonresidential tenant improvement upgrades require new mechanical and electrical systems. Exceptions include scientific laboratory buildings, emergency centers, and restaurants.

On February 20 the Millbrae City Council unveiled a draft Climate Action Plan proposing a wide range of actions to better align the city’s actions with the state’s climate goals. Proposed measures include adopting reach codes that achieve greater energy efficiency than the CALGreen Code for both residential and non-residential construction. The plan also proposes incentives to encourage all-electric appliances.

On March 3 the City of Hayward, Ca approved reach codes requiring new low-rise residential buildings be all-electric. Non-residential and high-rise residential buildings be either all-electric or be constructed as mixed-fuel, but with extra energy efficiency, solar, and battery storage. The codes will be sent to the CEC for approval following a second vote on March 17.

On March 24 the Santa Cruz City Council introduced an ordinance banning the use of natural gas in new residential construction by requiring building electrification. The ordinance lists exemptions for projects that are deemed to be in the public interest and for restaurant cooking.

A recent report delivered April 13 by the Palo Alto City Council suggests the city is struggling to make serious progress on its 2016 goal to reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by 2030. The progress report was slammed by environmentalists for overstating its achievements and falling well short of its goals. The city did not meet its targets for building electrification. The city’s sustainability manager attributed this largely to higher expenses of retrofitting gas

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appliances in existing buildings and higher operational costs of heat pump equipment. In a newly adopted two-year plan to help the city meet its goals, the city’s electric building reach code will be expanded next year to include commercial and high-rise residential buildings. City councilors recognized the all-electric requirement for new buildings may change little given the small number of homes that get constructed every year. On April 20th City Manager Ed Shikada projected the city’s revenue failure could reach $30 million in FY 2021. This will require drastic budget cuts impacting local libraries, the city’s police department, shuttle service, and community centers. Shikada explained the shortfall may also cause the city to halt its building electrification initiative.

On April 23 the cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento released a draft climate plan with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. The plan mandates all-electric construction in new buildings by 2023 and a transition of 25% of existing residential and small commercial buildings to all-electric by 2030. The city’s municipally-owned electric utility will provide incentives to home and business owners to retrofit their buildings. Additionally, the plan has a host of requirements on the transportation side including 70 percent of all new vehicle registrations must be from ZEVs by 2030. The plan also has provisions on food security, green spaces, car-free districts, and telecommuting. The plan does not list the costs for any of its proposals.

Colorado The Head Of The Colorado Energy Office Also Identified Beneficial Electrification And

The Replacement Of “Burning Natural Gas In Buildings” As A “Key Strategy Reaching The Significant Emissions Reductions That Are Required.” “We’ll also be kicking off a beneficial electrification analysis. Just as electricity can replace gasoline and diesel in transportation, electricity can replace burning natural gas in buildings, for their HVAC systems. Buildings are the third largest source of emissions, behind electricity and transportation, and we think that building electrification is going to be a key strategy for reaching the significant emissions reductions that are required.”

A campaign sponsored by the city of Boulder and Boulder County called Comfort 365 encourages residents to transition away from natural gas for heating and other indoor purposes as a way to meet the county and state’s carbon reduction goals.

On February 20 At a hearing held by the Air Quality Control Commission to review the state’s emissions reductions plan, Will Toor, the executive director of the Colorado Energy Office, publicly declared his office is moving aggressively to stop consumers from using fossil-fuel burning products and that the goal is to “electrify the heck out of a lot of other sectors” of the state’s economy. In his presentation to the commission, Toor discussed legislation that will have utilities encouraging their customers to reject gas-fired appliances. “We are working on a beneficial electrification bill that would be modeled after utility demand-side management statutes. So, for those of you that are familiar with these, Colorado for many years has had requirements that electric utilities develop demand-side management plans in which they essentially support their customers in adopting

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energy-efficient technology to reduce use of electricity. This would be modeled after that to require utilities to develop beneficial electrification plans that the Public Utilities Commission would set targets for beneficial electrification programs and the utilities would submit plans based upon the targets to support their customers in again moving directly burning fossil fuels to using things like electric heat pumps instead of water heaters. Toor then said the state aims to move aggressively towards electrifying as much of the economy as possible.

Hawaii Introduced in May 2019, the Honolulu City Council is considering Bill 25 that would

eliminate the choice for residents to use economical and efficient gas-powered water heaters, which can also run on Renewable Natural Gas. In 2010, Hawaii mandated solar water heaters for all new home construction but included reasonable exceptions for high costs and for places with less sunlight. Bill 25 eliminates these exceptions effectively banning natural gas water heaters in all new home construction.

Kansas On February 18 the Lawrence City Commission voted 4-1 to approve an ordinance on

first reading that would establish future energy goals/plans committing to municipal as well as communitywide energy goals that would eliminate natural gas by 2035 (amended from 2050) and rely entirely on renewables and other clean energy sources by definition for electric generation. Adopted on second and final reading March 3. In a memo to the commission, city staff state that strategies and actions steps to achieve the goals will be integrated into the development of the city’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. The city allocated $75,000 as part of its 2020 budget to update its existing climate protection plan, and that effort will soon get underway.

Kentucky In September 2019 Louisville Gas and Electric Co. has denied new and expanded

natural gas service to more than 60 homes and businesses in Bullitt County, KY, and said more customers are likely to face a similar situation until it can build a 12-mile pipeline to get additional supplies into the area. The Bullitt County Pipeline project, which would extend the company’s system and expand capacity in the region, was approved by the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) in 2017. The company has been unable to acquire easements along the proposed route for 11 remaining properties, including two owned by the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. The feud has spilled over, with state Attorney General Andy Beshear filing to intervene over public safety concerns, which the PSC has granted. He also wanted the scope of the case expanded after an unrelated explosion last month on a portion of the much larger Texas Eastern Transmission system farther south in Lincoln County, KY, which was denied. More than 7,000 people have also signed a petition to require a full environmental assessment for the project.  

Maryland Montgomery County has established three workgroups to develop prioritized actions and

strategies to help the County meet its GHG emission reduction goals of 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035. One group is specifically tasked with focusing on emissions from buildings. The process is ongoing (should wrap by year’s end) but initial recommendations include evaluating policies prohibiting the use of natural gas in new, substantially modified, and existing buildings as well as policies requiring the electrification of new, substantially modified, and existing buildings. Link to climate action

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planning page. On March 10 the county held a stakeholder meeting to receive feedback on the adoption of the 2018 International Green Construction Code. The County plans to ramp up the energy performance of new buildings covered under the IgCC with each code cycle, with a goal of reaching net zero energy buildings by 2030.

The city of Takoma Park is now debating whether to ban all gas appliances, close fossil fuel infrastructure, and move gas stations outside city limits by 2045. Starting from 2030, all water heaters, space heaters and stoves that rely on gas would have to be replaced with alternatives. A revised copy of the resolution, released earlier this week, took out the 2045 deadline for elimination of fossil fuels but still calls for banning natural gas in new construction. The proposal, which was first raised in a new climate resolution, could cost the average homeowner upwards of $25,000 officials wrote. At the work session on February 19, Councilmember Dyballa called the resolution a strategy that will be updated regularly so that Takoma Park eventually can eliminate the use of fossil fuels. The resolution is expected to be adopted at the March 4 City Council meeting. While not binding, the 2020 Climate Emergency Response Act will set the agenda for Takoma Park’s policymaking in coming years. It has sparked robust discussion, drawing lines of residents to council meetings and prompting long back-and-forths on neighborhood listservs. Officials are looking carefully at the impact of climate requirements on low-income households, Stewart said, and the city is creating a “sustainability assistance fund” to help residents and businesses transition from fossil fuels.

Massachusetts Since 2014, Columbia Gas has had a moratorium on new natural gas service in

Northampton and Easthampton.o In October 2019 Columbia Gas declared the moratorium for Northampton and

East Hampton permanent.

Since 2014, Lower and Mid Cape Cod have had a moratorium on new connections. The moratorium was implemented by National Grid while the company replaces 18 miles of distribution main and is expected to be lifted by 2020. Moratorium lifted May 2019.

Since late January 2019, Holyoke Gas & Electric and Middleborough Gas and Electric have imposed moratoriums on new residential natural gas hookups, adding Holyoke, Southampton and Middleborough to the list of about a dozen towns already under similar freezes. HG&E says that existing customers can make upgrades to their service so long as their usage does not increase.

Berkshire Gas has had a new hookup moratorium in eight Franklin and Hampshire county towns for about four years.

The Health & Environment Committee of the City Council for Cambridge, Massachusetts held an open hearing on Wednesday, September 25 to discuss “banning natural (fracked) gas infrastructure in Cambridge.” Councilman Quinton Zondervan is leading the push to ban natural gas in newly constructed buildings and has been arguing against incentives to encourage buildings to move away from gas. Councilman Craig Kelley stated he would like to explore creating incentives for developers to construct buildings without gas facilities.  Following the hearing, the committee directed City Solicitor Nancy Glowa to research the city’s authority to ban the use of natural gas in newly constructed buildings and report back to the full city council. On October 7, 2019 the full city council voted to direct the City Solicitor, Community Development, Public Works, and

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Inspectional Services to review the requested prohibition on new natural gas infrastructure. The proposed ordinance is available here beginning on packet pg. 367. The Cambridge Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance on December 11. Despite an opinion from the city solicitor’s office that state law would likely preempt any local ordinance, the Ordinance Committee voted to advance the gas ban to the full council. Zondervan has sought to quickly pass a gas ban in new construction and renovations with minimal exemptions. He suggested limiting stakeholder meetings to a month during a Jan. 27 city council meeting. However, other councilors noted their preference for several months of meetings to consider additional exemptions and gather expert testimony signaling it could be months before an ordinance is passed. The council ultimately directed the city manager to convene stakeholder meetings to make comments on implementing a gas ban. Councilmember Zondervan is still pushing for a gas ban in place by Jan. 1, 2021 despite the COVID-19 pandemic but the situation remains "extremely fluid."

In Brookline, Massachusetts a natural gas ban on hookups in new buildings will be up for referendum on the ballot in November 2019. The proposed by-law will prohibit installation of fossil fuel piping in new buildings and in major renovations of existing buildings. Consequently, this policy will require heat, hot water, and appliances that are installed during new construction and gut renovation to be all-electric. For situations in which electric is not practical or cost effective, this by-law provides for exemptions, including for fuel piping for backup generators. On October 15, 2019 the Brookline Housing Advisory Board voted to endorse the by-law. In a town vote on November 20 the proposed by-law passed by a vote of 207-3. The new by-law must still be approved by the state attorney general’s office. The bylaw allows for exemptions for the owners of restaurants, medical labs, and others who could prove that they have no viable alternatives to using fossil fuels. It also allows for a new town board to consider waivers. The Brookline co-sponsors included an exemption that allows gas piping for cooking after they encountered opposition within the 240-seat Town Meeting to mandating electric kitchen appliances.

o Worcester, Framingham, and Lexington are looking at similar fossil fuel bans.

On October 16, 2019 the Somerville Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change began an initial discussion on potential natural gas restrictions for new construction. In December 2019 Somerville adopted a zoning ordinance banning fossil fuels for combustion in all new building types except labs and restaurants. Under the development standards, all building types are banned from utilizing on-site combustion for HVAC systems and cooking appliances and buildings must certifiable as zero carbon or higher.

Announced in November, a new coalition, led by the mayors of Worcester, Somerville, New Bedford and Easthampton, is calling on state policymakers to transition Massachusetts to meet its heating, transportation and electricity needs entirely through renewable energy. The coalition is chaired by mayors Joseph Petty of Worcester, Joseph Curtatone of Somerville, Jon Mitchell of New Bedford and Nicole LaChapelle of Easthampton. The group plans to extend invitations to mayors of other cities.

On December 27 Sustainable Arlington, an Envision Arlington environment committee, announced plans to host an open meeting on January 5, 2020 to consider enacting a

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gas ban similar to the one approved in Brookline. The group is hoping to present a similar ban in time for the town’s spring meeting in April.

Arlington, Mass., intends to pursue a ban on natural gas in new buildings, making it the fourth Boston suburb to take up the issue. The town's Clean Energy Future Committee resolved in December 2019 to take a vote in January on advancing a gas ban to Arlington's Town Meeting, its 252-seat legislative body. A gas ban in new buildings is among the many measures the Clean Energy Future Committee is considering as it develops a plan to make Arlington carbon neutral by 2050. However, the ban is one of several proposals that could advance ahead of the broader plan, Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine said. On February 27 Arlington’s Clean Energy Future Committee (CEFC), in concert with Sustainable Arlington and Mothers Out Front, held a public information session on a proposed Town bylaw that would prohibit fossil fuel infrastructure in new construction and major renovations. The Select Board has inserted an article for a proposed fossil fuel bylaw on the warrant for Annual Town Meeting, which begins April 27.

Following on the heels of Brookline, Concord is expected to introduce a bylaw banning new fossil fuel infrastructure in the near future.

In Newton, City Council work is moving forward through remote video conferencing, said Councilwoman Emily Norton, one of several lawmakers spearheading a gas ban. That included identifying experts who could give presentations and answer questions about the policy before the Public Facilities Committee, she said. The City Council will continue developing an ordinance prohibiting gas hookups in new buildings but will also submit a so-called Home Rule Petition. This process allows towns and cities to petition the state legislature for authority that local lawmakers currently lack. At the April 22 meeting of the Public Facilities Committee, councilors requested a discussion with the city’s sustainability team to draft an ordinance and clarify the council’s authority to ban natural gas.

Michigan Ann Arbor is in the beginning stages of launching a net zero advisory council which is

considering among other things a natural gas ban and move towards building electrification. This is being organized as the “A 2 ZERO ” campaign. The initial draft of the plan was released in March 2020. The plan calls for over forty actions at a cost of more than $1 billion over the next ten years to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The plan hinges on six core strategies, one being swapping appliances from natural gas to electric. By 2030, the plan envisions that 100% of city facilities, 30% of owner-occupied homes (not including the 20% already using electric heat), and 25% of rental properties are fully electrified. Doing all this would reduce GHG emissions community-wide by 3.6% according to the plan. The plan estimates it will cost the city $5.7 million to fully electrify its building stock but does not estimate the cost of residential electrification. The plan also calls for all new construction beginning in 2022 built to net zero energy standards, which includes no natural gas consumption. All new residential and commercial buildings are designed and built to operate without the use of natural gas, reducing the increased cost associated with retrofitting existing systems.

o In a presentation delivered on public television, city staff predicted carbon emissions could increase slightly over the next several years while the city

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converts vehicles and appliances to electric. The city predicts carbon emissions could increase slightly over the next several years while the city and its partners put various pieces of the plan in place, including converting vehicles and appliances from gas to electric.

o On April 20 the Ann Arbor City Council voted 8-3 to reject the city’s proposed $1 billion A2Zero climate action plan. The plan faced opposition due to its cost and rushed nature. After much debate, the council later voted to include a directive to city staff to revisit and adjust the plan to address concerns. Once a funding plan and prioritization framework are complete, A2Zero will be re-presented for consideration. Councilmember Chip Smith said he wanted to move the issue forward and he expects the question of adopting the plan will be back before council in two weeks, with the funding and prioritization work complete. Councilmember Jeff Hayner described the plan as fiscally irresponsible and expressed concerns about bankrupting the city while only reducing a small fraction of emissions. Councilmember Ali Ramwali noted the plan would likely make Ann Arbor even less affordable for residents and does not account for the huge cost businesses and residences would face through electrification.

Minnesota In August 2019 Sam Rockwell, who is the president of the Minneapolis Planning

Commission, wrote to the Star Tribune declaring that natural gas use must be slashed, and encouraged Minneapolis to follow the lead of Berkeley California, and ban the use of natural gas in new construction.

As part of the city of Minneapolis’ goal to achieve an 80% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050, the city will pursue a deep-carbon building retrofit program, including a fuel-switching component that eliminates fossil fuel dependency from all existing buildings and retrofits that eliminate dependency on fossil fuel appliances. To achieve its goals the city explicitly noted it would have to transition from relying solely on fossil fuel-derived natural gas for heating.

New Jersey The New Jersey Energy Master Plan aims to put the state on a path to achieve 100%

clean energy by 2050. A draft of the plan was released in June 2019. The plan states in part “The building sector should be largely electrified by 2050 with an early focus on new construction and the conversion of oil- and propane-fueled buildings.”

AR 266 and SR 161 were introduced on August 23, 2019 urging the governor to “impose an immediate moratorium on fossil fuel infrastructure projects until the State adopts rules regulating CO2 and other climate pollutants adequate to achieve the 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2006 levels by 2050 as required under the Global Warming Response Act.”

NJ A 3383 was introduced February 25, 2020. The bill would allow municipalities to prohibit gas connections in new structures and buildings. Electric power, the primary energy alternative to natural gas, is becoming a cleaner source of energy, contributing fewer carbon emissions that cause climate change.  This bill would give municipalities the flexibility to promote cleaner energy sources, and help combat climate change, by prohibiting new construction that uses natural gas as an energy source.

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New York Since 2017 NYSEG has enacted a natural gas moratorium in the town of Lansing. The

local government has “blamed” the moratorium for the lost of a medical facility, no new restaurants and could switch a coal to natural gas plant.

In January 2019, Con Edison announced that it will stop accepting applications for new gas hookups on March 15, 2019 in much of southern Westchester County. The moratorium is the result of high gas demand on the coldest winter days and limited pipeline capacity in the area. While Cod Edison proposed non-pipeline alternatives in an attempt to avoid blocking new gas hookups, the proposals were ultimately not enough to alleviate the need for a new pipeline. Con Edison has lifted the moratorium.

National Grid will implement a moratorium on new gas customers on Long Island in May 2019 without new pipeline construction commitment (Williams’ NE Supply Enhancement pipeline project). This moratorium would include the Belmont Park redevelopment.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered state regulators to broaden their investigation of National Grid's gas moratorium in parts of downstate New York, raising the possibility that the gas utility could be replaced in its service territories.

On August 27, 2019 Gov. Cuomo ordered the NY Department of Public Service to use its authority to force National Grid to provide gas to certain customers denied service amid an ongoing standoff between the state and utility over a stalled gas pipeline project. The governor directed DPS to prepare to impose penalties and sanctions against National Grid and to line up alternatives for service in "some or all of the areas" the company serves in the event the utility refuses to begin flowing gas to impacted customers.

State Senator Joe Addabbo Jr. introduced two energy related bills on September 18, largely in response to the gas moratorium on new natural gas service currently in place in the service territories of Brooklyn Union Gas Co. and KeySpan Gas East Corp. Senate Bill 6730 would amend existing public service law to define access to basic utility service, clean air and clean water a basic civil right and hold companies liable if they refuse to provide such service. The second measure, Senate Bill 6731, would establish a 12-member task force to study backup energy options in the state when a utility company or energy provider "is unable or unwilling to provide such service." The study is to review the current ability of the state to provide backup energy, the feasibility of utilizing technologies such as battery-stored backup power, solar power, wind power, fuel cells and any other measures that the task force deems relevant. The 12-member task force would be comprised of four members appointed by the governor, four members appointed by the temporary president of the senate and four members by the speaker of the assembly.

Beginning October 2019, National Grid USA has started to restore natural gas service to about 1,000 downstate New York customers affected by an ongoing moratorium on gas hookups, after state regulators threatened millions of dollars in fines against the utility. National Grid aims to restore service to most of its customers by mid-November. Due to downstate supply issues, the company said current restrictions on service connection will remain effective for all other customers who have requested new or expanded service.

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On November 25, Gov. Cuomo announced an agreement had been reached with National Grid to immediately lift the current moratorium on gas service in Long Island, Queens and Brooklyn. National Grid has identified short-term supply mechanisms that will conservatively meet demand for approximately the next two years, allowing it to restore service to any customers that it had refused and grant all pending applications. National Grid will present a long-term options analysis within three months, subject to a public review process. The long-term options will be in place and functioning in Fall 2021.

In his 2020 state of the city address Mayor DiBlasio declared he would work with the city council to develop legislation prohibiting the use of natural gas and fuel oil in large buildings and stop using gas and other fossil fuels in large building systems by 2040.

Oregon In Eugene, gas foes are using renewal of the city’s franchise agreement with the utility

as an opportunity to push for a variety of possible measures, including banning new gas connections.

Utah As part of the Building Electrification Initiative, Salt Lake City is testing the feasibility of

homes powered by 100% electricity for heating, cooling, and appliances. Rocky Mountain Power sought and gained approval for the project through Utah’s Public Service Commission, which had to approve it paying $3.27 million toward the $34 million solar panel and battery cost. Several different developments are detailed here. Salt Lake City wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a renewable electricity supply in the next 10 to 20 years. The BEI report released in November 2019 concluded that it wouldn’t be economically feasible to convert most residential buildings to electric: Most would need electric panel upgrades before they could convert to heat pumps, and it could take up to 16 years for the operational savings to cover the cost of the equipment. Plus, energy bills would be higher, since higher rates of electricity use result in a higher rate charged. As of March 2020 the city had yet to determine or even discuss if it will incentivize or require multifamily developers to go all electric.

Vermont In April 2019 state legislators considered H.51, Which Would Ban New Fossil Fuel

Infrastructure. H.51, would ban new fossil fuel infrastructure with the aim of reducing the state’s reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. As Vermont does not have any oil pipelines, the bill targets natural gas.

Washington Beginning September 2019, the Seattle City Council will consider a ban on natural gas

for newly constructed homes and buildings, favoring the use of electricity for heating and cooking. Councilmember Mike O’Brien (whose term expires at the end of the year and did not seek re-election) plans to introduce legislation this week that would prohibit natural-gas piping systems in new structures, starting next summer. The ban would take effect for permitting on July 1, 2020, according to a draft of the legislation. Restaurants would be exempted from the ban, at least initially. Commercial buildings would be covered by the ban. Strong opposition to the rushed nature of the ordinance forced O’Brien to delay a vote until December or even later. On March 4 the Seattle City Council adopted its 2020 work plan putting a building electrification ordinance on this year's docket after opposition from a diverse group of regional stakeholders blocked

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efforts to swiftly implement a building gas ban last fall. The ordinance will be taken up by the newly formed Sustainability and Renters' Rights Committee chaired by Councilmember Kshama Sawant. It is one of several Green New Deal measures the committee plans to tackle this legislative session. The Seattle City Council suspended committee meetings shortly after its Sustainability and Renters' Rights Committee agreed to resume work on a gas ban developed in 2019. Committee Chair Kshama Sawant will likely continue gas ban discussions once meetings resume.

o A letter from PSE’s General Counsel detailing how the proposed ordinance would violate state law is available here.

Bellingham’s Climate Action Task Force has recommended total electrification by 2035 as its primarily objective, developing a list of actions they perceive as necessary to get to this target. At the October meeting, Task Force recommended electrifying new and existing buildings. Essentially bans gas water heaters going forward, any home looking to replace its space or water heating system would have to go electric. 2040 conversion deadline for everyone. Slides from October meeting. The Climate Action Task Force released its final report on December 2 and presented its findings to the Bellingham City Council on December 9. The final report recommends that any replaced space or water heating system must be replaced with an electric heat pump. Any natural gas space and water heating systems that haven’t been replaced with electric heat pump or equivalent systems need to be replaced by 2040. Additionally, all new buildings must use only electric systems and appliances. Space and water heating systems must be electric heat pumps. The City Council unanimously moved to direct staff to provide a comparison between Climate Action Task Force recommendations and the adopted Climate Action Plan by January 13, 2020, as well as create a climate action standing committee. At the City Council meeting on January 13 the city’s comparison was presented listing the electrification of new and existing buildings as a priority for 2020. An informational presentation on the Climate Action Plan was delivered on February 10 highlighting existing conservation efforts and future measures. City Council staff in Bellingham are focused on emergency response, according to Councilman Michael Lilliquist. He could not tell whether the reprioritization would substantially delay lawmakers from considering an electric heating retrofit requirement.

o On January 28, 2020 Cascade sent this letter to Mayor of Bellingham and the city council.

Released October 2019, the City of Everett had Cascadia Consulting Group draft a “Climate Action Plan,” in order to provide a strategic roadmap and menu of climate action options City Council can prioritize for implementation. The plan highlights electrification and eliminating natural gas from buildings and homes through both incentives and mandates. Note that the affordability, feasibility, equity, impact, and co-benefits of this proposal will not be evaluated until after the city’s October 15 meeting, and once the Planning Commission and public have provided input on which strategies and actions to prioritize in the CAP. At an October 15 Planning Commission meeting support for a natural gas ban seemed low.

o “Options such as city mandates, building code updates, or ordinances should be explored as tools for transitioning new construction to all-electric.”

o “Pursue, and develop the legal authority to, increase the Utility User Tax for natural gas. To incentivize the transition to all-electric buildings, a Utility User Tax

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increase would put a price on carbon and generate revenue for implementing measures in the CAP, such as providing resources for electrification.”

Snohomish County’s Climate Action Advisory Committee began meeting in February 2020 with the goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045. While the transportation sector is the main focus of the committee, building emissions are also a key concern. The county has also budgeted $65,000 to hire a consultant to study its options for curtailing carbon emissions. A firm hasn’t yet been picked, but the recommendations are expected to be released in early June. The County has described its goal of fully electrifying all county buildings as its “toughest hurdle.”

Thurston County and the cities of Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater are working with the Thurston Regional Planning Council to craft a strategic roadmap for reducing greenhouse gases. While still very much in the planning stage, a draft of the “climate actions menu” as of October 17, 2019 includes proposals such as: updating municipal code to require electric appliances in new construction, ban all new natural gas connections in new buildings, and create a utility fee for natural gas usage to fund electrification programs. The next meeting of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan Steering Committee is October 24 where the climate action options will be discussed.

On January 8, 2020 Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan signed an executive order ordering the transition of all city-owned buildings off of fossil fuels. The mayor’s green new deal directive states that the city will no longer use fossil fuels like natural gas to heat, cool and cook in new and substantially altered city-owned buildings and will come up with a plan by 2021 to transition all city-owned buildings to clean electric systems over time.

British Columbia In 2017 Vancouver City attempted to promulgate building codes that would require new

buildings to progressively cut their “carbon” footprint. The only practical way to achieve these new standards is to eliminate natural gas equipment. This is not an outright ban, but it was intended to eliminate or severely curtail natural gas equipment installations.

On April 29 the Vancouver City Council voted 9-1 to adopt an amendment to the city’s building by-laws mandating that by January 2022 new buildings less than three stories be equipped with zero emissions space and water heating appliances. The council actively considered, and ultimately rejected, banning new natural gas connections but concluded gas for cooking and fireplaces would continue to be allowed. The changes also require new homes over 3,498 sq. ft. to limit their annual carbon dioxide emissions to 3 tons per year to 2 tons per year. City staff is also preparing a report requiring all newly installed heating and hot water appliances in existing homes also meet net-zero emission standards by 2025. This proposal is likely to be voted on fall 2020.

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