Kudos to California, once again showing national leadership in addressing climate change. The recent decision by the California Energy Commission to require solar panels on all new residential construction beginning in 2020 is a huge step forward in moving to green energy sources throughout our state.
I was pleased to learn that Sebastopol and Santa Monica already require rooftop solar installations on newly constructed residential and commercial buildings, while Lancaster requires it on all new single family residences. Solar has proven to be a cost-effective choice over time.
Cities in San Luis Obispo County could become leaders in transitioning to a clean energy economy by moving to low carbon choices, retrofitting existing government buildings, and purchasing all-electric transportation vehicles as buses and for city fleets.
Citizens in SLO County can also become part of the effort to lower CO2 emissions (currently at a dangerously high 410 ppm) by getting involved in the growing movement to pass national carbon fee and dividend legislation. Besides casting a vote for the climate in upcoming elections, we can do our part by joining a local chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby and lobbying Congress in June (citizensclimatelobby.org).
Sandy Simon
Nipomo
This article appears in May 17-27, 2018.
I am sure home buyers in California will be happy to have $8,000 to $10,000 added to the cost of all new homes since that will make the cost of a home they wish to sell go all the higher. That is good news for those leaving California to buy a larger home at lower cost in some other state. Often leaving family behind.
Adding that 8 to 10 thousand is a minor part of the costs when you are paying nearly half a million anyway.
Problem is, how many can afford to live here at all.
What will happen when no one but rich retirees live here? Who will provide the services they need? What will those services cost? How many more will be driven out of California?
Yet California’s population continues to grow and grow. Go figure!