California officials are expected to make a vote on SB 1221 to address clean energy infrastructure for the long-term future of the state.
SB 1221 is a bill designated to empower California’s ability to invest in clean energy infrastructure and make an impact in providing cost-friendly energy going forward.
If the legislative bill is ultimately passed, California will also be able to decrease building emissions and contribute to the state’s objective of potentially achieving carbon neutrality by the year 2045.
The bill also aims to make further progress in building decarbonization pilots, and giving priority to vulnerable communities, which would allow city blocks to shift from gas to clean electricity.
An effort to avoid unnecessary gas infrastructure investments and enhancing energy efficiency could ultimately decrease the overall costs of energy system.
If successful, this transition is expected to also address climate and air quality benefits. Although the Golden State has the worldwide reputation of being a global leader in climate and environmental issues, there’s yet to be a concrete plan installed to tackle building sector emissions.
Additionally, the state of California is the second-biggest consumer of fossil gas in the United States. Health officials find fossil gas to be a meaningful threat to human health and to our environment, due to its ability to pollute air quality, for example.
Moreover, the bill will also help California residents face extreme heat by providing zero-emission heat pumps for cooling at no-cost for state residents. As phases of extreme heat continue to surge over the years, this bill will be crucial for residents to cope with these heat conditions in the future.