Last January, devastating wildfires broke out across Los Angeles, destroying more than 18,000 buildings. Inside climate news I mentioned These fires are 35% more likely to occur due to climate change, as global warming due to pollution creates drought conditions that lead to forest fires.
To reduce these risks in the future, many Los Angeles residents want to switch to electricity instead of gas when they rebuild their homes — but utility provider SoCalGas stands in the way.
What is happening?
SoCalGas offers thousands of dollars in incentives to residents to rebuild using gas instead of electricity for their appliances. These rebates are paid through the California Public Utilities Commission, meaning the money ultimately comes from state taxpayers.
While this is technically allowed under the rules of the program SoCalGas uses, it seems to go against efficiency which is the supposed point.
“The rules were definitely broken.” He said Matt Vespa, senior attorney at Earthjustice, at Inside Climate News. “This should not be allowed. I find it infuriating that they are allowing efficiency funds to continue to be used for this purpose. This puts public health, safety and our climate goals at risk. Build Back is a truly great opportunity to build back better and all-electric. And the Commission is undermining that.”
What is the importance of using gas in reconstructed buildings?
The sheer volume of construction in Los Angeles at this time represents an opportunity. If a community electrified and invested in clean energy, there could be a significant reduction in local air pollution, improving air quality for the entire community and reducing the air pollution that leads to natural disasters in the first place. On the other hand, if society is geared towards installing gas, it will be locked into this dirty energy source for decades.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
What can I do to help change these rules?
Vespa encouraged the public to contact the CPUC directly with their concerns.
“You can express your frustration with this matter directly to the committee,” he added. He saidfor all the inside climate news. “The committee is responding to public pressure and interest in the issues. Unfortunately, there has not been as much interest in this matter as there should be.”
“It has been marginalized for a long time,” he added. “And I think they need to know that people care about this.”
Get free TCD newsletters for easy tips to save more, reduce waste, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD exclusives Rewards Club.