Agenda Item # 11.4 - Alex Ramel | Received 07/26/2022July 26, 2022
To: cityclerk@cityofgilroy.org,allcouncilmembers@cityofgilroy.org
From: Alex Ramel, Climate Policy Advisor at Stand.earth
Re: Public Comment for Item #11.4. Council Discussion and Direction Regarding
Potential 2022 Reach Codes
Honorable Members Of the Gilroy City Council,
Stand.earth is pleased to share our strong support for the proposal before you on
August 1st to adopt an all-electric reach code for residential and commercial buildings in
your community, including EV infrastructure for multi-family developments. By adopting
reach codes that incentivize energy efficiency and electrification in buildings, Gilroy can
lead the way to a healthier and more sustainable future.
Many other communities–including more than 55 in California–are already taking
similar steps. You can move forward with confidence that these measures are well
thought through and carefully tested. At the same time, Gilroy will still have a leadership
role in building the momentum needed to respond to the climate crisis.
The co-benefits of these measures are well documented.
Reducing the use of methane gas combustion in homes and instead using clean electric
appliances, avoids prolonged exposure to methane gas fumes. In June, the American
Medical Association unanimously adopted Resolution 439, stating that, “our American
Medical Association recognizes the association between the use of gas stoves, indoor
nitrogen dioxide levels and asthma… the use of gas stove increases household air
pollution and the risk of childhood asthma and asthma severity.”
Bellingham • 1329 N State Street • Suite 302 • Bellingham, WA 98225 • 360-734-2951
San Francisco • 548 Market Street • Suite 74196 • San Francisco, CA 94104 • 415-863-4563
Vancouver • 5307 Victoria Drive • Suite 347 • Vancouver,BC V5P 3V6 • 604-331-6201
www.stand.ear th
In addition, all-electric new construction advances affordable housing. Since building
owners and tenants will be responsible for monthly energy costs in new buildings, it’s
important that any discussion of affordability include not only the first-cost of equipment,
but also the operating costs of that equipment over time. Life-cycle costs analysis
consistently favors electrification in new construction. For example, a 2020 evaluation
by the Rocky Mountain Institute of building costs in a number of cities with a variety of
different climates, energy markets, and policy frameworks none-the-less found that “the
new all-electric, single-family home has a lower net present cost than the new
mixed-fuel home in every city we studied.”
Stand.earth and SAFE Cities enthusiastically support Gilroy’s steps toward a clean
energy reach code and we encourage you to move forward with this thoughtful and
timely proposal. Please let me know if we can answer any additional questions.
Stand.earth is an international environmental advocacy organization that challenges
corporations and governments to treat people and the environment with respect
because our lives depend on it. Our SAFE Cities initiative is fostering the growing
movement of neighbors, local groups, and elected officials phasing out fossil fuels and
fast-tracking clean energy solutions to ensure a just transition. Learn more at
www.stand.earth/safe
In solidarity,
Alex Ramel
Climate Policy Advisor
Stand.earth
Bellingham • 1329 N State Street • Suite 302 • Bellingham, WA 98225 • 360-734-2951
San Francisco • 548 Market Street • Suite 74196 • San Francisco, CA 94104 • 415-863-4563
Vancouver • 5307 Victoria Drive • Suite 347 • Vancouver,BC V5P 3V6 • 604-331-6201
www.stand.ear th