All-Electric New Construction
Require all new construction to be all-electric. Allow fossil fuels for backup generation, if desired.
2-Way Air Conditioners
Require all new or replacement air conditioners to include heat pump capability. Allow fossil fuels for auxiliary heating if desired
Continue to Provide Targeted Rebates
Provide targeted incentives to offset the cost of electrification, focusing primarily on local workforce and primary residents. Provide direct incentives to contractors for electrification projects, to offset the risk of their first couple all-electric installations.
Leverage existing rebates, like:
Leverage existing rebates, like:
- California's TECH rebate
- Truckee PUD's heat pump rebate
- the upcoming Inflation Reduction Act funds (pending.)
Pre-wiring During Remodels
During kitchen or laundry remodels, require pre-wiring for electric ranges or clothes dryers, respectively.
Phased STR Decarbonization
As an addition to existing Short Term Rental (STR) permit requirements, require all STRs which currently utilize natural gas to decarbonize at least one appliance per year starting in 2023. All appliances must be electrified by December, 31 2027. Allow fossil fuels for auxiliary space heating or backup generation if desired.
Why These, Why Now?
Fifty years after we discovered humans impact on climate change, we continue to build homes and stores with fossil fuel heating and water heating systems. The buildings last over 50 years, and the heating systems last 15-20 years. Meanwhile proven technologies that have been in use for decades are available to build all-electric buildings. 25% of homes in the US are already all-electric.
It is clear that policy is needed to nudge our builders and building owners to decarbonize their buildings. We are counting on our local elected leaders to spur the transition to a cleaner future.
Electrify Tahoe recommends a phased approach, starting with easy no-to-low cost policy measures. That means considering: the maturity of the market, available technology, ease of implementation, path to enforcement, legality, costs, available rebates, and benefits to residents and businesses. Many of these are ever-evolving, and more measures should be considered as we move towards carbon neutrality.
These are the building decarbonization policies that should be adopted by local communities in California's Sierra Nevada, in 2022.
It is clear that policy is needed to nudge our builders and building owners to decarbonize their buildings. We are counting on our local elected leaders to spur the transition to a cleaner future.
Electrify Tahoe recommends a phased approach, starting with easy no-to-low cost policy measures. That means considering: the maturity of the market, available technology, ease of implementation, path to enforcement, legality, costs, available rebates, and benefits to residents and businesses. Many of these are ever-evolving, and more measures should be considered as we move towards carbon neutrality.
These are the building decarbonization policies that should be adopted by local communities in California's Sierra Nevada, in 2022.
