indoor air
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Seattle takes innovative approach to building electrification amid legal challenges
Seattle is leading a wave of cities in electrifying buildings to cut emissions, despite legal obstacles hindering gas bans.
In short:
- Seattle's new law requires large buildings to go net-zero by 2050, focusing on electric alternatives to gas and oil appliances.
- Legal challenges against gas bans in Berkeley and elsewhere are prompting cities to find alternative strategies.
- Seattle and other cities are adapting through emissions targets, updated building codes, and indoor air quality regulations.
Key quote:
“Momentum was slowed for a bit, but it’s picking back up as cities and local governments lead into the future, away from burning gas in homes. And that is the future. It’s just a matter of how fast it’s going to happen.”
— Jan Hasselman, senior attorney at Earthjustice
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Credit: Rich M/Flickr
The health cost of burning wood to warm homes
Experts say wood-burning is not cheaper or truly renewable and constitutes a major health risk.
Kristina D.C. Hoeppner/Flickr/Commercial use & mods allowedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/
Joseph G. Allen: CDC’s new indoor air guidelines are a monumental victory for health
Stronger ventilation standards could represent a monumental shift.
ArmchairBuilder.com/Flickr/Commercial use & mods allowedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
New York set to pass first U.S. law banning gas in new construction
New York's ban on gas hookups would take effect in 2026 for buildings under seven stories, say climate advocates. Taller buildings would be affected by 2029.
Marco Verch Professional/Flickr
Heather Souvaine Horn: Finally, a gas stove proposal that cares about poor people
The District of Columbia City Council is considering a bill that will allow low- and moderate-income households to switch out their gas stoves—if they so choose—for free.
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The EnergySmart Academy/Flickr
Ban gas stoves? Just the idea gets some in Washington boiling.
The nation’s top consumer watchdog agency raised concerns about indoor air pollution from gas stoves. A political firestorm ensued.
Diverse Stock Photos/ Flickr
After seeing how gas stoves pollute homes, these researchers are ditching theirs
Gas stoves produce more indoor air pollutants than even some scientists expected. After taking measurements, many of those researchers are installing electric stoves — and warning the public about the health risks of cooking with gas.
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