Larry Klein
Mayor
Linda Sell
Vice Mayor
Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember
Richard Mehlinger
Councilmember
Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember
Charlsie Chang
Councilmember
Eileen Le
Councilmember
June 4, 2025
The Honorable Scott Wiener
California State Senate
1021 O Street, Suite 8620
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: SB 282 (Wiener): Residential heat pump systems: water heaters and HVAC:
installations – SUPPORT (Amended - 4/29/2025)
Dear Senator Wiener:
On behalf of the City of Sunnyvale, we want to express our support for SB 282 (Wiener), which will make installing heat pumps and HVAC systems faster and easier by modernizing permitting for heat pump installations, reducing cost and hassle for contractors and consumers alike.
California has led the nation in establishing some of the most ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and combat climate change. California’s climate action plan was praised globally for its goal of achieving net neutrality by 2045, which would require slashing emissions by 85 percent, and air pollution by 71 percent. To keep pace in achieving these laudable emissions targets, California will need to convert at least 20% of existing building stock to electric appliances and install 6 milli on heat pumps across the state by 2030. In the absence of federal leadership on climate, these state goals are more important than ever. The City of Sunnyvale is deeply committed to electrification.
Council Policy 7.4.14 3 was written into the City Council ’s policy on Environmental Regulatory & Conservation Issues to promote building electrification. The City’s Climate Action Playbook also establishes goals of reducing natural gas use in both residential and commercial buildings to reach its greenhouse gas reduction targets (Play
2.2 Support electrification of existing buildings).
Heat pumps are highly efficient electric appliances with the capability to provide both heating and cooling in one device. Due to both increasing severity of extreme heat events, as well as the need to electrify buildings in order to meet our climate goals , California has dedicated hundreds of millions of dollars to incentive programs such as TECH Clean California and the Equitable Building Decarbonization program to support consumer Attachment 4
The Honorable Scott Wiener, State Senate
June 4, 2025
adoption of heat pumps statewide. These public rebate and direct install programs require applicants to secure permits for heat pump installations to ensure work is completed according to state building codes and safety standards. Unfortunately, varying standards across the state can lead to long inspection wait times, and the need to obtain multiple permit types for a water heater installation, all of which adds costs that range from $50 to several thousand.
The streamlined process outlined under the Heat Pump Access Act will provide a more seamless experience for the residents and contractors leading the way in the clean energy transition and maximize the impact of state dollars helping Californians access th e cooling and clean air benefits of heat pumps.
For these reasons, we are pleased to support SB 282. Thank you for consideration of our position. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Ramana Chinnakotla, Director of Environmental Services, at [email protected], if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Larry Klein
Mayor
cc: Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab
Assembly Member Patrick Ahrens
City Council
Tim Kirby, City Manager
Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Ramana Chinnakotla, Director of Environmental Services
Attachment 4