For Immediate Release
July 22, 2022
Contact:
Robin Tung, Building Decarbonization Coalition
robin@buildingdecarb.org
Sacramento, CA — In the midst of a climate-fueled heat wave that is gripping the nation, California Governor Gavin Newsom took action today to expand access to cooling in homes by setting a target of 3 million climate-ready and climate-friendly homes by 2030 and 7 million homes by 2035 – of which 50% or more will be low-income and environmental justice communities – and 6 million highly-efficient electric heat pumps.
“The heat wave gripping the nation this week is further proof that as California warms, all households need access to affordable and efficient cooling to stay safe. We applaud the Governor’s leadership in directing his agency to provide low-income households with heat pump cooling systems, and for establishing a healthy home goal,” said Jose Torres, California Director of the Building Decarbonization Coalition. “Done in collaboration with the most affected communities, these holistic climate upgrades will protect California’s working families – especially our most vulnerable residents – from extreme weather, and will keep them healthy, safe, and resilient.”
The new targets for climate-resilient housing were announced as part of a letter to the California Air Resources Board, which focuses on the implementation and acceleration of California’s climate goals. The decarbonization of the state’s building sector will bring relief to Californians facing extreme heat and high energy costs this summer, help reduce indoor and outdoor pollution, transform the market for climate solutions, and spur increased domestic manufacturing and installation jobs. The new goals will also cut the climate pollution that is fueling hotter temperatures.
“This landmark directive signals California’s commitment to its climate goals and provides substantial benefits to households and communities struggling with energy, affordability, and extreme heat burdens. Critical to Governor Newsom’s action is his May budget revise, which will provide a down payment to accomplish these goals,” stated Panama Bartholomy, executive director of the Building Decarbonization Coalition.
The Building Decarbonization Coalition and its partners will continue to push for investments of at least $1.2 billion for healthy homes, $1 billion for community resiliency centers, and $500 million for school facility upgrades in the California budget, which will be finalized in August.
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