AR 7 SUPP CORRESPONDENCE — Pasadena City Council, April 4, 2022

McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Catherine Hensley
Friday, April 01, 2022 11 :59 AM
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Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Masuda, Gene; Kennedy, John J.; Wilson, Andy; Hampton , Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Rivas, Jessica
Public Comment - I support a stronger building electrification policy for healthy , sustainable homes!
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Dear Mayor and Council,
As a local resident who cares about clean air and a more sustainable Pasadena, I strongly support the adoption of an all-electric building code for new construction in Pasadena.

All-electric buildings have better indoor air quality and are healthier for the people who live in them, especially children. They produce less outdoor air pollution and reduce emissions of a potent greenhouse gas by eliminating the risk of gas leaks. All-electric buildings also are more affordable to construct, savings that can be passed on to renters and future owners.

For these reasons and more 54 communities across California have already adopted a local building electrification code for new construction, including the cities of Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, and Ojai.

I urge the Council to support a strong local policy that helps lead the way in Southern California, limits exemptions, and prioritizes implementation by January 1, 2023.

Thank you for your service to the community!
Sincerely,
Catherine Beauchamp
Pasadena, CA
1 04/04/2022
Item 7
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Mary Hayden
Friday, April 01, 2022 1 :35 PM
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All-electric building code for Pasadena
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Dear Mayor and City Council,
I am a Pasadena resident in Steve Madison's 6th District. As a longtime proponent of sustainability and environmental preservation, I strongly support the adoption of an all-electric building code for new construction in Pasadena.

All-electric buildings have better indoor air quality and are healthier for the people who live in them, especially children.

They produce less outdoor air pollution and reduce emissions of methane (which is 84 times more damaging to climate stability than carbon dioxide) by eliminating the risk of gas leaks. All-electric buildings also are more affordable to construct, savings that can be passed on to renters and future owners.

Already 54 communities across California have adopted local building electrification codes for new construction, including the cities of Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, and Ojai.

I urge the Council to support a strong local policy that helps lead the way in Southern California, limits exemptions, and prioritizes implementation by January 1, 2023.

Thank you for your service and your dedication to a more liveable future for our community in the climate-challenged decades to come.

Mary Hayden, PhD
Pasadena, CA 91105
04/04/2022
Item 7
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Tom Brady om>
Friday, April 01, 2022 2:22 PM
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Building Electrification on 4/4 Council Agenda
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Dear Mayor and Council Members - I am writing in support of the excellent staff recommendation on the 4/4 agenda to require all electric buildings in new construction. This is consistent with your adopted Climate Action Plan and is one of the easier ways to begin the necessary transition away from fossil fuels to help address the climate crisis. As the leader of the environmental ministry of All Saints Church, I have been participating in the efforts of the Pasadena Building Electrification Coalition to advance this issue. As stated in their fact sheet, the benefits of all-electric buildings include: they are more healthy and safe, they have similar or lower costs to construct and operate, and they reduce the huge problem of methane leaks. The Climate Action Plan includes major and extremely difficult efforts to reduce the carbon emissions from existing buildings when, without this proposal, the City is not even addressing the problems with new construction.

Climate change is threatening all of civilization, as clearly evidenced by the huge increase in California wildfires and the amplification of the current drought. Please act to show leadership in this important area by joining with 54 other California communities in banning gas in new construction.

Tom Brady
Pasadena, A 91105
04/04/2022
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Item 7
April 1, 2022
Pasadena City Council
175 Garfield Ave.

Pasadena, CA 91101
Submitted via email to [email protected] RE: SUPPORT - Pasadena Building Electrification Code Update Dear Mayor Gordo and Members of the Pasadena City Council, 1 As local organizations, community stakeholders, and Pasadena residents committed to realizing a more economically and environmentally sustainable community, we urge the Pasadena City Council to adopt a strong building electrification policy for new construction - as recommended by staff - in 2022.

Electrification of new buildings is a cost-effective and socially equitable way cities around California and the United States are reducing GHG emissions, decreasing the cost of housing construction, and protecting public health. As of December 2021, 54 California communities, including the cities of Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, and Ojai, have adopted all-electric building codes for new construction, recognizing the benefits for the climate, air quality, public health, public safety, and housing affordability. In 2022 Pasadena has the opportunity to join these municipalities in taking a significant step to protect public health and the environment for decades to come.

However to maximize the public benefit of a building electrification code update, it is critical that the City adopt a strong policy that requires all new buildings, including ADUs, be all electric.

Thank you for your commitment to local action and service to the Pasadena community, Carl Selkin
Co-chair Social Justice Committee
Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center
Ben Stapleton
Executive Director
The U.S. Green Building Council - Los Angeles Chapter
Rev. Tera Landers
Pastor
Throop Unitarian Universalist Church
Martha Zavala
President
League of Women Voters Pasadena Area
Pasadena Building Electrification April 2, 2022
Wes Reutimann
Volunteer Organizer
Pasadena Environmental Advocates (PEAs)
Christy Zamani
Executive Director
Day One
Michael Rochmes
Green Buildings Committee Chair
The Climate Reality Project, Los Angeles Chapter
Dave Weeshoff
Conservation / Advocacy
Pasadena Audubon
Anita Ghazarian
Environmental Lead
Indivisible Alta Pasadena
David Diaz, MPH
Executive Director
Active San Gabriel Valley
Katy Robinson
Partner
ZC Sustainability
Sam Berndt
Co-Founder
Sunrise Movement Los Angeles
Greg Apodaca
CEO
Community 2.0
Aura Vasquez
Climate Action Committee
Angeles Chapter, Sierra Club
Sanford Krasner
Group Leader
Citizens Climate Lobby Pasadena-Foothills Chapter
Cheryl Auger
President
Ban SUP (Single Use Plastic)
Pasadena Building Electrification
2 April 2, 2022
Background Information
1) Building electrification is a key step to realizing the City's adopted Climate Action Plan (2018) In March 2018 the Pasadena City Council adopted a local Climate Action Plan, which outlined primary sources of GHG emissions in the community and strategies to reduce our reliance on gas and fossil fuels. As the City moves forward with "greening" its sources of electricity to 100% renewable energy, per state law requiring 60% by 2030 and 100% by 2045 (SB 100), it will become increasingly important that new construction be all-electric. Per the City's baseline data, gas accounts for a considerable 36% of emissions within Pasadena residences. 1 Figure 4.4 Residential Emissions by Source
Source: Pasadena GHG Inventory (2009)2
2) All-electric buildings are healthier for people, especially children. Gas stoves and furnaces produce a range of pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (N02), carbon monoxide (CO), and formaldehyde . Over the past four decades public health researchers have compiled a growing body of evidence linking the use of such gas appliances, especially for cooking, with increased risk of negative health outcomes, including asthma and other respiratory illnesses, cognitive impairments, and some cancers.

A 2013 meta-analysis of 41 studies found that children living in homes with gas stoves had a 42 percent higher risk of experiencing asthma symptoms, and a 24 percent increase in the risk of being diagnosed with asthma over their lifetime.3 More recently, a 2018 study from the University of Queensland found that more than 12 percent of the total burden of childhood asthma in Australia was attributable to the use of gas stoves, which 38 percent of households rely on for cooking. 4 In 2019 UCLA led a study of indoor air quality within older homes and apartments in the San Gabriel Valley.

Homes were outfitted with both indoor and outdoor air quality monitors, for a period of two weeks in Summ er and Winter 2019 (4 weeks total). The study found that in homes with gas appliances air pollution (PM2.5 and N02) inside homes was commonly worse than outdoors, particularly during the colder months of the year and within homes that used gas stoves and ovens for preparing food. 5 1 City of Pasadena Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, pg 27, www,citvotpasadena.netlwp-content/uploads/sites/30/2009-GHG-Emissions-lnventory.pdf?v= 1608156978487 2 Ibid, pg 27
3 lntemational Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 42, Issue 6, December 2013, Pages 1724-1737. hrtps-//dnj org/10 1093/iie/dyt150 • Knibbs, Luke D., Woldeyohannes, Solomon, Marks, Guy B., and Cowie, Christine T. (2018). Damp housing, gas stoves, and the burden of childhood asthma in Australia. Medical Journal of Australia 208 (7) 299-302. https://doi.org/10.5694/mia17.00469 5 Healthy Home Study (2019), www.activesqv.org/healthy-home-study.html Pasadena Building Electrification April 2, 2022
3 Gas stoves can produce elevated levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (N02), a toxic gas.

Health Effects of N02 in Children May Include:

Increased risk or chlldhood
■sthm• (current and lifetime)
Aggravated respiratory
symptoms (wheeze,
cough, chest tightn9Ss,
difficulty breathing)
10, w•mlng Deficits
lrntai.d airways
Deleted tissue antioxidant
-nHs (which protect
the respiratory tract)
Changed lung function
Source: Rocky Mountain Institute - https://rmi.o rq/insjqht/qas-stoves-pollution-health lncr•••d
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The growing evidence of the dangers of gas stoves prompted the New England Journal of Medicine to publish an editorial recommending that "new gas appliances be removed from the market."6 The economic costs of long-term, chronic illnesses such as asthma associated with air pollution is billions in healthcare fees and diminished productivity to LA County. 7 These costs directly impact working families who have to bear the associated burdens of juggling additional doctor's visits. medication. missed school and work days. Lower-income families are at particular risk and least able to shoulder the associated costs. This impacts families and the agencies and public services they rely on, including local schools left to accommodate more asthmatic children. 4 3) All-electric buildings are more affordable to construct and maintain. All-electric homes can be cheaper to build than dual-fuel buildings. Ensuring all new construction is built without gas hookups will support the City"s affordable housing goals as there will be no need for new costly gas infrastructure. A recent analysis by the Statewide Utility Codes and Standards Team found that building all-electric reduced construction costs on average $5,000 for single-family homes and over $2,000 per unit in a multi-family building. Over the long term, all-electric buildings will also save costs for Pasadena residents and businesses, as gas distribution pipelines are expected to become stranded assets8 well before the end of their useful life as more buildings electrify. • Philip J. Landrigan, M.D., Howard Frumkin, M.D., Dr.PH, and Brita E. Lundberg, M.D.,The False Promise of Natural Gas, New England Journal of Medicine, www.nejrn.orq/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMp1913663?artideTools-true 7 Zhu, Yifang et al, Effects of Residential Gas Appliances on Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality and Public Health in California, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, April 2020, https://ucla.app.box.com/s/xyzt8ic1 ixnetiv0269qe 704wu0itiif7 • 'The 'Rush To Gas' Will Strand Billions As Renewables Get Cheaper, Study Says." May 2018, https ://www.f orbes.com/sites/ieffmcmahon /2018/05/21 /the-rush-Jo-gas-wi 11-cost-billions-in-stranded-assets-as-renewables-qet-cheaper-ins titute-says /
Pasadena Building Electrification April 2, 2022
5 4) Southern California gas industry misinformation is muddying the waters. Unfortunately southern Californians continue to face concerted industry obfuscation about the science and facts of gas in homes. Over the past decade Sempra / SoCalGas have invested millions to confuse the public and policymakers about this issue. These tactics have received increasing coverage by the press in recent years, highlighting industry misuse of ratepayer funds9 and efforts to convince local City Councils to formally support "balanced energy solutlons" 10 . In 2021 the CPUC ratepayer advocate recommended that Sempra/ SoCalGas be fined over $100 million 11 for charging ratepayers, rather than shareholders, for some of its contributions to gas industry advocacy groups that lobby to preserve and promote the use of methane gas, and forestall climate and energy efficiency policies.

SoCalGas shouldn't be using customer money to
undermine state climate goals, critics say
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LA Times Coverage of SoCalGas Misuse of Ratepayer Funds - November 22, 2019 5} Cities across California have adopted local building electrification codes in the past few years, including the following communities: 12
As of December 2021, over fifty CA cities (listed with the most recent city first) have adopted building codes to reduce their reliance on methane gas.
• Roth, Sammy, "SoCaJGas shouldn't be using customer money to undermine state climate goals. critics say," Los Angeles Times, November 22, 2019, www Jatimes corn1enyjmnment/story/201 g-11-221soca1aas-dirnate-chanae-custorner-ruods 10 Roth, Sammy, "California ditched coal. The gas company is worried it's next," Los Angeles Times, October 22, 2019, www .latimes. corn/environ ment/story/201 9-1 0-22/southern-california-gas-clirnate-change 11 Chediak, Mark, "California Watchdog Wants SoCalGas to Pay Bigger Lobby Fine", Bloomberg, December 11, 2020, www bloomberg com/news/artides/2020-12-121caJifornia-watchdog-waots-socalgas-to-pay-bigger-lobbying-line 12 Sierra Club, "CA Cities Lead the Way to a Gas Free Future." Accessed on 12/10/2020:
www.sierraclub.org/articles/2020/12Jcalifornias-cities-lead-way-gas-free-future Pasadena Building Electrification April 2, 2022

54. Contra Costa County- requires all newly constructed residential buildings, hotels, offices, and retail buildings to be all-electric starting June 1, 2022.

53. Santa Clara County- adopted an all-electric reach code for new residential and commercial buildings, with minor exceptions for certain factories, hazardous materials facilities, hospitals, and laboratories

52. Solana Beach- requires new construction in residential and commercial buildings to use electric appliances for space heating, water heating, dryers, pools and spas. It sets standards for major renovations to ensure that significant remodels beyond a certain point require these electric upgrades as well. The ordinance also requires all-electric readiness, and has provisions for electric car charging, commercial solar, and prewiring for home battery storage.

51. Santa Clara- this all-electric reach code applies to both new residential and commercial buildings, and contains minimal exemptions.

50. Encinitas- in accordance with their most recent Climate Action Plan update-- will now require all new residential and commercial buildings to be all-electric, making it the 50th municipality and the first city in San Diego County to require all-electric buildings, with situational exempt ions for restaurants, essential service buildings, and special projects.

49. Fairfax- requires all newly constructed residential and commercial buildings to be all-electric, starting March 1 , 2022, with an exemption for commercial kitchens. 6 48. Emeryville- requires all newly constructed residential buildings to be all-electric, with exemptions for newly constructed nonresidential buildings. However, these buildings must be furnished with conduit or pre-wiring for future electric appliance installation.

47. Santa Barbara- requires all new buildings to be all-electric starting January 1, 2022, though it does offer an exemption for restaurants.

46. Sacramento- requires all new buildings under 3 stories to be all-electric by 2023 and extends the mandate to all new construction by 2026. Approved 6/1/2021.

45. South San Francisco- requires all new residential buildings to be all-electric. Approved 5/26/2021.

44. Petaluma- Requires all buildings to be all-electric and bans all new gas stations. Approved 5/3/2021.

Pasadena Building Electrification April 2, 2022
7 43. Daly City- Required all-electric new residential and non-residential buildings with blanket exemptions for 100% affordable housing buildings, commercial kitchens, and laboratories. Approved 4/27/2021.

42. San Carlos- Requires newly constructed buildings and remodel projects that update more than 50% of the building to be all-electric with some exceptions. Approved 1/25/2021. 41 . Albany- Encourages newly constructed residential and commercial buildings to be electric preferred and requires mixed fuel buildings to exceed the California Energy Code. Approved 12/9/2020.

40. Oakland- Requires all newly constructed buildings to be all-electric.

40. Oakland- Requires all newly constructed buildings to be all-electric. Approved 12/1/2020. 39 . .Qi.ai-Requires all-electric new construction for buildings with some exceptions. Approved 10/27/2020.

38. Sunnyvale- Requires newly constructed residential and commercial buildings to be all-electric with an exemption for gas fuel cells. Restaurants may apply for an exemption. Approved 10/27/2020.

37. Millbrae- Requires all-electric residential and commercial buildings with exemptions for laboratories, restaurants and gas cooking/fireplaces. Approved 10/27/2020.

36. Los Altos- Requires all newly constructed buildings to be all-electric with exemptions for gas cooking/fireplaces in residential buildings with 9 units or less, laboratories and restaurants. Approved 1 0/27 /2020.

35. East Palo Alto- Requires that new residential and commercial buildings be all-electric, with exceptions for affordable housing, and commercial kitchens. Approved 10/6/2020.

34. Redwood City- Adopted a reach code requiring all-electric new construction for commercial and residential buildings, with exceptions for multiple specific building types such as laboratories. Approved 8/24/2020.

33. Piedmont- Promotes all-electric new construction for low-rise residential buildings and incentives electrification for renovations of low-rise residences. Approved 7/20/2020.

32. San Anselmo- Promotes all electric housing by requiring higher energy efficiency requirements for mixed fuel projects and prewiring for al electric kitchens. Approved 4/14/2020.

31. Burlingame- Requires all electric new construction for projects with exemptions for single-family and commercial projects for gas cooking and fireplaces. Approved 7/6/2020.

30. Santa Cruz- Requires all electric new construction with exemptions for projects that are deemed to be in the public interest and for restaurant cooking. Approved 3/24/2020.

Pasadena Building Electrification April 2, 2022

29. HaWJard- All new residential buildings are required to be all-electric and nonresidential and high-rise residential buildings are electric preferred. Mixed-fuel buildings must install solar panels, and the energy budget must be 1 O percent better than code. Approved 3/3/2020.

28. Richmond- requires all new buildings to be all-electric starting January 1 , 2022.

27. San Mateo County-Requires that no gas or propane plumbing is installed in new buildings, and that electricity be used as the energy source for water and space heating and cooking and clothes drying appliances. Approved 2/11/2020.

26. Campbell- Requires all-electric space and water heating in new residential buildings, accessory dwelling units, and major remodels. Approved 2/4/2020.

25. Los Altos Hills- Requires electric space and water heating in new low-rise residential buildings.

Approved 1/16/2020.

24. San Francisco recently expanded on their building electrification ordinance, now requiring that all new construction be all electric starting June 1st 2021. Approved 12/17/2019. 8 23. Cupertino- Requires all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, to be all-electric. Also requires outdoor pools, spas, and barbeques to be included within the definition of an all-electric building.

Approved 12/17/2019.

22. Los Gatos- Requires all newly constructed single-family and low-rise multifamily buildings to be all-electric. Approved 12/3/2019.

21. Healdsburg- Requires electrification for most appliances but grants an exemption for gas cooking and fireplaces. Approved 12/2/2019.

20. Brisbane - Requires all newly constructed single-family homes and low-rise multifamily buildings to be all-electric. Allows exemptions for cooking appliances but requires pre-wiring for electric readiness.

Approved 11 /21 .2019.

19. Saratoga- Requires all newly constructed buildings to be all-electric. Approved 11/20/ 2019.

18. Mill Valley-Requires all newly constructed residential buildings to be all electric. Approved 11/18/2019.
1 7. Pacifica- Requires electrification for most appliances but grants an exemption for gas cooking and fireplaces in new residential buildings. Requires water and space heaters, cooking appliances , fireplaces, and clothes dryers to be all-electric for new nonresidential buildings. Public agencies providing emergency services and nonresid ential kitch ens are exempted. Approved 11/12/2019.

16. Santa Rosa- Requires all newly constructed low-rise residential buildings to be all-electric.

Approved 11/12/2019.

15. Milpitas- Limits gas infrastructure for newly constructed buildings on city-owned property.

Approved 11/5/2019 .

Pasadena Building Electrification April 2, 2022

14. Alameda- Limits gas infrastructure for new residential construction on city-owned property and as of May 18, they've expanded the code to require newly constructed buildings to be all electric with some exceptions. Approved 11/5/2019.
9 13. Palo Alto- Requires all newly constructed low-rise residential buildings to be all-electric, plus higher energy-efficiency standards and electrification readiness in mixed-fuel non-residential buildings. Will revisit all-electric requirement for non-residential new construction in 2021. Approved 11/4/2019.

12. Morgan Hill- Phases out gas hookups in all newly constructed residential buildings and most nonresidential buildings. Approved 10/23/2019.
11 . Moqntajn View- Requires electrification for new residential and nonresidential buildings. Does not exempt gas stoves, fireplaces, or firepits in residential buildings. Approved 10/22/2019.

10. Marin County- Offered three compliance pathways for newly constructed buildings in unincorporated buildings: one for all-electric construction, one for limited mixed-fuel construction that has fewer efficiency requirements because it uses less gas but allows gas stoves, and one for mixed-fuel construction that requires the most strict compliance with Cal Green Tier 1 and electrification-readiness requirements. Approved 9/24/2019.

9. Davis- Requires higher energy-efficiency standards and electrification readiness in mixed-fuel buildings. Approved 9/24/2019.

8. San Jose- San Jose passed a natural gas prohibition for all new building types, with limited temporary exemptions, becoming the largest city in the nation to do so. Approved 9/17/ 2019.

7. Menlo Park- Requires all-electric new construction for residential buildings as well as new nonresidential buildings but allows an exemption for cooking appliances in !ow-rise residential buildings. Approved 9/10/2019.

6. Santa Monica- Requires additional energy-efficiency measures for new residential and nonresidential buildings that use gas. Approved 9/10/2019.

5. San Mateo- Requires new residential buildings and buildings with office-use to be all-electric. Adds additional requirements for rooftop solar and electric vehicle charging. Approved 8/27/2019.

4. San Luis Obispo- Requires additional energy efficiency and electrification readiness for all newly constructed buildings and adds a small fee for new mixed-fuel buildings based on expected gas consumption. Approval of updated code 6/16/2020.

3. Windsor- Mandates all-electric new construction for low-rise residential buildings, including single-family homes, multifamily homes with fewer than four stories, and detached accessory dwelling units ( but attached ones are exempt). Approved 8/27/2019.

2. Berkeley- Phases out gas hookups in all newly constructed residential buildings and most nonresidential buildings. Approved 7/15/2019 .

1.Car!sbad-Requires heat pump water heaters or solar thermal water heating in new residential buildings that have fewer than four stories. Approved 2/26/2019.

Pasadena Building Electrification April 2, 2022
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Mary Fitzgerald
Friday, April 01, 2022 3:25 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Masuda, Gene; Kennedy, John J.; Wilson, Andy; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Rivas, Jessica
Public Comment - I Support a Stronger Building Electrification Policy for healthy, sustainable homes
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Dear Mayor and Council,
As a Pasadena condo resident, I strongly support the adoption of an all-electric building code for new construction in Pasadena.

I moved into a newly constructed townhouse thirty years ago and replaced my gas stove with electric along with other improvements to support our ecological health. New residential as well as commercial buildings need to be all-electric.

All-electric buildings have better indoor air quality and are healthier for the people who live in them, especially children.

They produce less outdoor air pollution and reduce emissions of a potent greenhouse gas by eliminating the risk of gas leaks. All-electric buildings also are more affordable to construct, savings that can be passed on to renters and future owners.

I urge the Council to support a strong local policy that helps lead the way in Southern California, limits exemptions, and prioritizes implementation by January 1, 2023.

Thank you for your service to the community,
Sincerely,
Mary (Mimi) Fitzgerald
Pasadena, CA 91101
1 04/04/2022
Item 7
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Elizabeth Fife
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Saturday, April 02, 2022 9:59 AM
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Subject: Public Comment - I Support a Stronger Building Electrification Policy for healthy, sustainable homes
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Dear Pasadena City Clerk,
Please go beyond all electric building codes for all new construction from this point on (including apartments, units, --- multifamily dwellings, office buildings, etc.) and put in place comprehensive policies for environmentally sustainable construction - LEEDS certified building is the minimum! Make Pasadena a model for other communities everywhere.

This is possible and would show others that it can be done.

As a local resident who cares about clean air and a more sustainable Pasadena, I strongly support the adoption of an all electric building code for new construction in Pasadena.

The city staff?s recommendation is a step in the right direction, but it leaves room for improvement. Specifically, I urge the Council to include new single-family homes and ADUs into a code update given the many benefits of all-electric construction for public health, public safety, and the environment.

All-electric buildings have better indoor air quality and are healthier for the people who live in them, especially children.

They produce less outdoor air pollution by eliminating the risk of gas leaks. They also are more affordable to construct, savings that can be passed on to renters and future owners.

For these reasons and more 54 communities across California have already adopted a local building electrification code, including the cities of Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, and Ojai.

I urge the Council to support a strong local policy that helps lead the way in Southern California, limits exemptions and prioritizes its implementation by January 1, 2023.

Thank you for your service to the community,
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Fife
Pasadena, CA 91106
1 04/04/2022
Item 7
McMillan. Acquanette (Netta)
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Claire Smigiel
Saturday, April 02, 2022 10:16 AM
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Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Masuda, Gene; Kennedy, John J.; Wilson, Andy; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Rivas, Jessica
Public Comment - I Support a Stronger Building Electrification Policy for healthy, sustainable homes
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Dear Mayor and Council,
My name is Claire Smigiel, MD. I am an allergy & asthma doctor in Pasadena. As a local resident and physician who cares for vulnerable individuals in the community, I want to urge you to support the adoption of an all-electric building code for new construction in Pasadena. The importance of cleaner air and a more sustainable Pasadena cannot be underestimated.

All-electric buildings have far better indoor air quality, making them healthier for the people who live in them, especially children and those with allergies & asthma. They produce less outdoor air pollution and reduce emissions of a potent greenhouse gas by eliminating the risk of gas leaks. The evidence is also clear that all electric buildings are more affordable to construct, savings that can be passed on to renters and future owners.

I urge the Council to support a strong local policy that helps lead the way in Southern California, limits exemptions, and prioritizes implementation as soon as possible.

Thank you for your service to the community.

Best,
Claire Smigiel, MD
1 04/04/2022
Item 7
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Laura Joseph ,nal Message
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Saturday, April 02, 2022 2:59 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - I Support a Stronger Building Electrification Policy for healthy, sustainable homes
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Dear Pasadena City Clerk,
We have to begin divesting from the use of fossil fuels in every possible way as soon as possible to mitigate climate disaster. I will be proud if Pasadena contributes to this effort . LA is embarking on a plan to become fossil fuel free by 2050. Pasadena should follow suit. to do so, the ordinance under consideration should be strengthened to include ALL new construction and to appoint a task force to plan for making the city totally fossil fuel free.

As a local resident who cares about clean air and a more sustainable Pasadena, I strongly support the adoption of an all electric building code for new construction in Pasadena.

All-electric buildings have better indoor air quality and are healthier for the people who live in them, especially children.

They produce less outdoor air pollution by eliminating the risk of gas leaks. They also are more affordable to construct, savings that can be passed on to renters and future owners.

For these reasons and more 54 communities across California have already adopted a local building electrification code, including the cities of Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, and Ojai.

I urge the Council to support a strong local policy that helps lead the way in Southern California, limits exemptions and prioritizes its implementation by January 1, 2023.

Thank you for your service to the community,
Sincerely,
Laura Joseph
Pasadena, CA 91107
1 04/04/2022
Item 7
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Kitty Kroger
Saturday, April 02, 2022 5:21 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Agenda item #7: Building electrification proposed ordinance CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more ....

Dear Council Members,
The building electrification proposal is very encouraging. I am grateful to you for all your hard work on this issue, and I know you have a lot of issues on your plates at all times.

However, I feel that climate change is unique and unprecedented compared to anything that has gone before.

And given the urgency and existential nature of climate change, we need to do all in our power as quickly as we can to take measures to mitigate this emergency, in which we already find ourselves. We don't have time to postpone things for some future date.

Therefore, I would ask you to include single family homes and accessory dwelling units in the electrification measures being considered. Thank you,
Kathryn Kroger,
Pasadena resident
1 04/04/2022
Item 7
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Rev. Tera Landers ·
Saturday, April 02, 2022 8:13 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Cc: Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Masuda, Gene; Kennedy, John J.; Wilson, Andy; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Rivas, Jessica
Subject: Public Comment - I Support a Stronger Building Electrification Policy for healthy , sustainable homes
Attachments: PastedGraphic-2.tiff
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Dear Mayor and Council,
As a local pastor who cares about clean air and a more sustainable Pasadena, I strongly support the adoption of an all-electric building code for new construction in Pasadena.

Please include Accessory Dwelling Units in the code. A few years ago, I built an ADU on my property. Since ADUs are smaller with less energy needs, and are often converted from garages, which already have electrical lines (but not gas) running to them, this seems like low-hanging fruit in terms of a requirement.

All-electric buildings have better indoor air quality and are healthier for the people who live in them, especially children.

They produce less outdoor air pollution and reduce emissions of a potent greenhouse gas by eliminating the risk of gas leaks.

All-electric buildings also are more affordable to construct, savings that can be passed on to renters and future owners.

I urge the Council to support a strong local policy that helps lead the way in Southern California, limits exemptions , and prioritizes implementation by January 1, 2023. Pasadena needs to be a climate leader! Thank you for your service to the community.

May your day be filled with faith, love, and purpose,
Rev. Tera Landers, Lead Pastor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Friday is my unscheduled day, and emails received will be responded to on Saturday afternoon.

To set up an appointment, visit https://calendly.com/pastortera Join us at Throop where we go love the world from the heart of Pasadena. www.throopuupasadena.org
1 04/04/2022
Item 7
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Denise Aronow
Sunday, April 03, 2022 1 :35 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
In Support of Proposed Ordinance
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I very strongly support the proposed ordinance which will require new buildings in Pasadena to be one hundred percent powered by electricity.

We must move swiftly toward zero use of fossil fuels.

Denise Aronow
Resident, District 7
1 04/04/2022
Item 11
McMillan. Acquanette (Netta)
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Don Bremner
Monday, April 04, 2022 8:38 AM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Electrification of Buildings
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Dear Pasadena Council Members,
I am a resident of Pasadena. I urge you to support the proposed ordinance requiring some new buildings to
have electric heating. By reducing use of natural gas it would reduce the city's additions to greenhouse gases
and climate change. And it could reduce the gases that harm health inside buildings.

I hope Paasdena will join the dozens of cities in California that have adopted similar requirements.

Thank you,
Don Bremner
1 04/04/2022
Item 7
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Jennifer Ho
Monday, April 04, 2022 11 :50 AM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Cc: Gordo, Victor; Madison , Steve; Masuda, Gene; Kennedy, John J.; Wilson , Andy; Hampton , Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Rivas, Jessica
Subject: 4/ 4 City Countil Meeting - Agenda Item 7 (Electrification of Buildings) CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more ....

Dear Mayor Gordo and members of the Pasadena City Council:

Growing up around natural gas stoves , I developed asthma and would get frequent nose bleeds. Just a few months ago, I upgraded to an electric induction stove and it has been a night and day difference. I can breathe so much easier now and do not have nose bleeds any more. As someone who cares deeply about delivering positive health outcomes to our community, I urge you to support the adoption of an all-electric building code for new construction in Pasadena.

By moving to all-electric building codes, Pasadena can achieve:
• Better indoor air quality, especially helpful for children and elderly • Reduction of harmful air pollutants caused by chemicals in natural gas • Delivery of positive health outcomes for the community Pasadena has an opportunity to join 54 communities across California who have already adopted a local building electrification code for new construction, including cities of Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, and Ojai.

For better health outcomes , I urge you to support a strong, local all-electric building code policy that helps lead the way in Southern California, limits exemptions, and prioritize s implementation by January 1, 2023.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing this important topic in providing clean air for all residents.

Sincerely ,
Jennifer H.
1 04/04/2022
Item 7
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Lars Dennert
Monday, April 04, 2022 11 :55 AM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Outlawing NG
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I find it preposterous that the city should be self dealing to outlaw the use of natural gas in new construction.

This creates not only a monopoly but forces residents to heat using electricity which will cost at least 4 times more. Maintenance of gas lines is not your concern either. Most outrageous is that the city just completed a new power station to generate electricity USING GAS! At double the national average, we are already being gouged by the city. This motion is not in the best interests of your constituents but serves only the city's benefit. If electricity was clearly a better choice for everything, you wouldn't need to outlaw gas. People would simply choose it.

Please read my email out loud at the public comment portion of the hearing.

Lars Dennert
1 04/04/2022
Item 7
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Melinda Reidy
Monday, April 04, 2022 12:52 PM
Pu blicCom ment -Auto Response
Gordo, Victor; Madison , Steve; Masuda, Gene; Kennedy, John J.; Wilson, Andy; Hampton , Tyron; William s, Felicia; Rivas, Jessica
Public Comment - I Support a Stronger Building Electrification Policy CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more .. ,.

Hello,
As a local resident who cares about climate change and protecting the environment , I strongly support the adoption of an all-electric building code for new construction in Pasadena .

City staff's recommendation is a step in the right direction , but it leaves room for improvement. Specifically I urge the Council to include new single-family homes and ADUs into a code update given the many benefits of all-electric construction for public health , public safety, and the environment.

I believe that this is a change that will positively impact all of us going forward . All-electric buildings have better indoor air quality and are healthier for the people who live in them , especially children . They produce less outdoor air pollution by eliminating the risk of gas leaks. They also are more affordable to construct , savings that can be passed on to renters and future owners .

For these reasons and more, 54 communities across California have already adopted a local building electrification code, including the cities of Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, and Ojai.

I urge the Council to support a strong local policy that limits exemptions and prioritizes implementation by January 1, 2023.

Thank you for your service to the community ,
Melinda Reidy
04/04/2022
Item 7
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Attachments:

Keith Bermar.

Monday, April 04, 2022 2:10 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse; Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Masuda, Gene; Kennedy, John J.; Wilson, Andy; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Rivas, Jessica Council Meeting Agenda Item 7: Ordinance Amending Municipal Code Requiring Electrification of Buildings
AR 7 Attachment A_Building Electrification.pdf; AR 7 Attachment B_Building Electrification.pdf
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Dear members of the Pasadena City Council,
This afternoon you will be asked to consider a proposed ordinance requiring electrification of new construction in this city that specifically exempts newly constructed single-family dwellings and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) (Attachment A). Most Stakeholder Group Comments (Attachment B) raise concerns about potentially higher equipment or electric power costs for these two categories and certain others proposed for exemption.

If you are not already, you should be aware that these arguments are completely untrue. Numerous studies have confirmed that it is much less costly to heat homes, heat water, cook and dry clothes with electric appliances than with methane gas. In addition, the elimination of a gas line and gas pipe installation generates significant net construction cost savings as well. Simply put, arguments that electrification is more costly than methane gas are being advanced by parties with a financial interest of one kind or another in maintaining the status quo.

But more importantly --for all of us including the folks with one vested interest or another -- maintaining the status quo with these exemptions will assure that newly constructed single-family dwellings and AD Us will continue to pump out CO2 and leak methane into our atmosphere for the next 100 years.

Does this really make sense as we are now face-to-face with an existential climate change-driven crisis of (I) extreme drought and heat threatening our food and water supply, (2) huge uncontrollable forest and wild land fires, (3) massive flooding destroying billions of dollars of property and sweeping people to their deaths, (4) extreme heat waves making it increasingly dangerous to work or play outdoors, and (5) warming and acidification of our oceans, raising sea levels and threatening our ocean-based food supply? This new building electrification ordinance needs to fully reflect our communi ty's first and most critical priority: helping to save the future of our water supply, and our food supply, and the natural world that is currently being rapidly degraded by the burning of methane gas and other fossil fuels.

This is the most serious existential crisis ever to face humanity . Let's act accordingly, and do what needs to be done to create a chance for a livable world for our children and generations to come.

Respectfully,
Keith Berman, MPH, MBA
04/04/2022
Item 7

ATTACHMENT A
Building Electrification
Requirements and Exceptions
Building electrification shall apply to any building or structure based on the effective date of the Ordinance where an application for entitlement has not been deemed complete, or by the vesting of a valid building permit application to the City.

Electrification of Buildings Will Apply To:

1. New Multi-Family Buildings Greater Than 3 Units

2. New Mixed-Use Buildings.

3. New Commercial Buildings.
a. Restaurants and food service facilities are exempted, however, equipment and appliances that can utilize electric energy are encouraged to be utilized to the highest extent possible.

4. New Additions to Existing Commercial Buildings where the addition adds 50 percent or more of the existing square foot area. In such cases, the entire building must convert to complete electrification.

Electrification of Buildings Will Not Apply to any of the following Exceptions:

1. New, Existing, or Additions to Single Family Dwellings.

2. New or Converted Accessory Dwelling Units on Single Family properties. New or Converted Accessory Dwelling Units on Multi-Family properties that are added to an existing building.

3. Essential Buildings, Medical-Health Care Facilities, Research And Development Laboratories, Equipment for Emergency Use and Other Special Occupancies with fossil-fuel equipment directly related to the operations are necessary and where electric alternatives could jeopardize operations, occupant safety or patient care.

4. Where the cost of electric utility infrastructure and supply upgrades exceed the cost of the entire project. The entire project cost shall be based on the cost of an electrified building (without natural gas).

5. For certain and specific equipment where electrical operating costs would exceed natural gas operating costs by more than 1,000% per annum. Example - Cost of heating a swimming pool by electric energy versus natural gas.

6. Buildings that utilize non-fossil fuels for non-fossil fuel approved equipment. Non-fossil fuel types , and equipment are subject to approval by the Building Official and Fire Chief.

ATTACHMENT B
Stakeholder Group Comments to Building Electrification
MEETING #1: Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. and Various Organizations Attendees:

Meeting
Date:

Matt Buck, California Apartment Association
Alexandra Cannarella, Apartment Association, California Southern Cities Jose Cornejo, NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association Paul Little, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
Danielle Peretz, Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles Blake Perez, Building Owners and Managers Association
Lilly Rocha, Latino Restaurant Association
Carlos Rodriguez, Building Industry Association
Sarah Wiltfong, BizFed Los Angeles County Business Federation January 26, 2022
Input Provided:
• Electrification could be a significant cost impact to smaller restaurants. • Would appreciate more communication with the building industry - e.g. BIA. • Electrification may presents issues of equity, and unintended consequences of affordability.
• Concerns of cost of electricity at peak usage times.
• Concerns for tenant improvement alternations being cost prohibitive. • Ordinance should not discourage housing with added costs.

MEETING #2: Building Industry Association (BIA) of Southern California Attendees:

Meeting
Date:

DeAndre Valencia, Senior VP and Legal Policy Officer
March 10, 2022
Input Provided:
• Will the City conduct future outreach to the building industry? • Recommends an effective date of January 1, 2023 to coincide with the effective date of the new 2022 California Building Standards Code. • Stated that the multi-family threshold starting at four units might affect/apply to "Mom & Pop" apartment owners.
• Asked whether an appeal process will be available for developers that do not agree with electrification requirements.
• Asked if we have considered adding an exemption for building material and equipment availability due to current issues with supply chain.

MEETING #3: Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Greater Los Angeles
Attendees:

Meeting
Date:

Althea De Pietro Lemken, De Pietro Holdings, LLC; BOMA Board of Directors
Blake Perez, Government Affairs Manager
Aaron Taxy, Director, Government and Public Affairs
March 14, 2022
Input Provided:
• Consistent with Pasadena's Climate Action Plan, will power generation and acquisition include non-fossil fuel power production.
• Concerned about the cost of implementation and logistics of electrification. • To be successful, incentives for electrification are needed. • Not a one-size fits all solution - concerns on electrification for every situation. • Together with other mandates cost implications on businesses could be significant.
• Concerns with electric grid, blackouts, potential implementation problems. • Is eliminating natural gas really a solution?
• For the cost exemptions, why the threshold of 1000% per annum? MEETING #4: Pasadena Building Electrification Coalition Attendees:

Meeting
Date:

Kathy Berlin, League of Women Voters, Pasadena Chapter; National Chapter of the League of Women Voters, Climate Action Committee Wes Reutimann, Active San Gabriel Valley
Michael Rochmes, Climate Reality Project, Los Angeles Chapter March 17, 2022
Input Provided:
• Supportive of the proposal but have desires to broaden applicability . • Not in favor of exempting single-family dwellings and ADU's . • Would like ordinance to apply to 'substantial remodels' both residential and commercial.
• Narrow down exemptions for restaurants to only apply to cooking equipment. • Question the exemption based on operating cost of electrical equipment (versus gas).

McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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john.doyle·
Monday, April 04, 2022 2:48 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse; Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Masuda, Gene; Kennedy, John J.; Wilson, Andy; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Rivas, Jessica Council Meeting Agenda Item 7: Ordinance Amending Municipal Code Requiring Electrification of Buildings
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Dear Pasadena City Council,
The City pushed removing leaf blowers under the green umbrella that leaf blowers were "bad for the environment." held my tongue because I truly thought the City was punching down on gardeners when we all know that transportation and gas stoves (methane) are huge contributors to greenhouse gas emissions as well as the 30% of coal that Pasadena Water and Power gets from its contracts with SCCPA.

Now that we have the opportunity to make some real MONUMENTAL CHANGE, we are falling woefully short as a city in really changing people's habits. Please muster up the courage to say all new development needs to be electrified. This is the courage we need. (I know, it is easier to go after the gardeners.) Let's get honest with ourselves. It is not our gardeners that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, it is us. We all need to change. (I include myself. My Prius is no longer enough. I need to purchase an electric car myself.) Best,
John
John Doyle
Doyle for City Council 2024
District 4 - Pasadena, CA
www.pasadenasafe.com
1 04/04/2022
Item 7
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Kathy Berlin
Monday, April 04, 2022 3:15 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
in support of agenda item #7 including ADUs
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Mayor Gordo and members of the City Council,
I want to commend the staff for bringing such a well reasoned and wellstated report proposing a new building electrification ordinance . In light of the current climate crisis, I trust that the Council will support and approve the proposed ordinance.

Since we are in a time of acute climate emergency, I encourage the Council to include the electrification of ADUs in the ordinance. As Saul Griffith states in his book, Electrify, we don't have time for one more fossil fuel gas powered appliance or car. We must reduce GHG emissions as much and as soon as possible. We need to do all we can. Including ADUs and SFHs in the ordinance will send a clear message that Pasadena is serious about reducing GHG emissions and willing to act on behalf of the health and safety of its residents.

Thank you for your consideration.

Kathy Berlin
Pasadena resident
1 04/04/2022
Item 7

Pasadena City CouncilApril 4, 2022

Pasadena City Council
April 4, 2022