No more delays. SLO Council should adopt plan to encourage all-electric homes

Once again, the San Luis Obispo City Council will consider an ordinance encouraging all-electric homes when it meets on Tuesday night.

Let’s hope the third — or is the fourth? — time is a charm.

The council’s last attempt in April was derailed when the president of the regional branch of the Utility Workers Union of America threatened to stage a massive protest in San Luis Obispo — just a few weeks into the statewide coronavirus lockdown.

In an email sent to the city, the union official vowed he would bus in “hundreds and hundreds of pissed off people” from the Los Angeles area, “potentially adding to this (coronavirus) pandemic.”

That was bullying, plain and simple, especially since at the time, Californians believed the state could become another COVID hotspot like New York.

The council did postpone the meeting — what choice did it have? — and now, more than two months later, is revisiting the issue.

It’s time; government business can’t be put on hold indefinitely until we’re able to hold large gatherings again. And with the recent uptick in cases, who knows when people will feel safe enough to attend meetings at City Hall.

The council should adopt the energy ordinance, which is less burdensome than earlier proposals.

This one does not require builders or home buyers to pay an offset fee if they opt to install gas appliance in new construction

They do have to take other steps to improve energy efficiency above and beyond what’s now required, such as installing more insulation in walls and attics to cut down on heating requirements.

That’s a fair compromise. Home buyers should be able to have what they want — such as a gas stove or clothes dryer — but at the same time, we can’t ignore the consequences of continuing to emit harmful greenhouse gases. With electric power providers switching to clean energy, including solar and wind power, it makes sense to rely more on those sources.

Keep in mind, too, that San Luis Obispo isn’t alone in this; at least 29 other California cities have adopted similar ordinances, and another 20 are expected to do so by the end of the year, according to city staff.

In other words, this is not a radical move. Contrary to some reports floating around, it is not a total ban on new natural gas hookups. Nor does it impose a financial burden on existing homes or businesses, since only new buildings are affected. And even in new construction, commercial kitchens are exempted.

There is still strong opposition to the proposal, however. While it has support from environmentalists, it has been vehemently opposed by the natural gas lobby, as well as by some local residents who see it as an infringement on their rights.

Organizations representing people of color also are speaking out. They worry the new rule will impose yet another burden on those least able to afford housing, as well as on new businesses, which are also covered by the regulation.

Housing costs are a huge concern, which is why every local government should double down on efforts to provide more affordable housing. But threats posed by climate change — such as worsening fire seasons and damage from sea level rise already happening in California — can’t be ignored; local governments have been dragging their feet as it is.

As for requests that the city again delay a vote on account of the coronavirus, that’s not necessary. Comments can be made by email, snail mail and voice mail. Viewing by Webinar even allows members of the public to comment in real time; instructions are on the city website.

There isn’t the visual impact of a City Hall packed with participants, but claiming the city isn’t providing opportunities for public comment is bogus.

Besides, there already have been multiple opportunities to offer comment. When the item came up for a vote last September, there was a four-hour hearing with dozens of speakers. The council ultimately approved the measure on a 4-1 vote.

That vote was set aside, however, when opponents claimed Councilwoman Andy Pease, an architect who works on green building projects, had a conflict of interest. She denied that, but to simplify matters agreed she would not take part in the vote, but that meant a do-over was necessary. That process starts on Tuesday.

We strongly urge the council to approve an ordinance that will encourage — but not require — electric appliances in new homes.