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On April 4, APGA submitted a letter to the California State Assembly Committee on Natural Resources in opposition to Assembly Bill 3001, which would require all new buildings in the state to be “electric ready” beginning in 2022. The bill defines “electric-ready buildings” as buildings containing electric infrastructure “necessary to enable building occupants to use electrical equipment in lieu of natural gas-fired equipment, such as space and water heating equipment, without the need for additional upgrades to the building’s electrical infrastructure.” Simply put, the bill would force every Californian to give up their ability to choose what energy resources best meet their home and business needs.

In its letter of opposition, APGA states that the legislation unfairly eliminates natural gas, which is one of the most popular energy resources for meeting home and business space and water heating needs as well as cooking. APGA’s letter also communicates that natural gas is the lowest cost energy delivered to homes and businesses and is the smallest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions for residential and commercial buildings. Restricting Californians’ right to choose what energy resource best fits their needs will ultimately increase their energy costs, lead to a less reliable energy system and produce little or no environmental benefits. The letter further states that “Californians should have the right to choose the energy and appliances they use in their homes and businesses, and we believe there are better, more cost-effective ways to clean our air and protect the environment.”

A copy of APGA’s letter is available on the APGA website. The bill has been scheduled for a hearing in the Natural Resources Committee in Sacramento on April 9. APGA plans to participate in the hearing and will provide an update after the Committee considers the legislation. For questions on this article, please contact Dave Schryver of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-2742 or by email at dschryver@apga.org.