When it became clear that building codes were inadequate to insure the safety of occupants in earthquakes, building codes were revised to protect the public welfare. The codes created increased building costs, but did not deter or even slow construction in the state. A similar clear need exists today with regard to mandated energy conservation measures in new construction and remodeling. The undersigned urge the state of California to address this need for construction code reform. We see many reasons to require the inclusion of renewable energy solutions such as solar and wind power covering at least 40% of energy needs in all new construction and remodeling. Here are a few of the many reasons:
1.) To address the sustainable energy needs of this country.
2.) To stop the heavy dependence of the U.S. on oil from volatile regions of the globe.
3.) To stop indirectly funding terrorism through oil revenues sent to countries that regularly contribute to terrorist organizations.
4.) To slow or even reverse global warming.
5.) To reverse degraded air quality and it's associated health impacts on individuals.
6.) To decrease health care costs by decreasing exposure to unnecessary pollutants.
7.) To address the known fact that buildings are responsible for more energy use than automobiles.
8.) To take real steps to finally end the tyranny of energy and automobile special interests which have actively created a state with substandard public transportation, fiscally irresponsible debt from energy contracts bought in a panic, failed legislation to introduce zero emission vehicle standards that would have led the world, as well as increased pollution, corruption, and waste.
When it became clear that building codes were inadequate to insure the safety of occupants in earthquakes, building codes were revised to protect the public welfare. The codes created increased building costs, but did not deter or even slow construction in the state. A similar clear need exists today with regard to mandated energy conservation measures in new construction and remodeling. The undersigned urge the state of California to address this need for construction code reform. We see many reasons to require the inclusion of renewable energy solutions such as solar and wind power covering at least 40% of energy needs in all new construction and remodeling. Here are a few of the many reasons:
1.) To address the sustainable energy needs of this country.
2.) To stop the heavy dependence of the U.S. on oil from volatile regions of the globe.
3.) To stop indirectly funding terrorism through oil revenues sent to countries that regularly contribute to terrorist organizations.
4.) To slow or even reverse global warming.
5.) To reverse degraded air quality and it's associated health impacts on individuals.
6.) To decrease health care costs by decreasing exposure to unnecessary pollutants.
7.) To address the known fact that buildings are responsible for more energy use than automobiles.
8.) To take real steps to finally end the tyranny of energy and automobile special interests which have actively created a state with substandard public transportation, fiscally irresponsible debt from energy contracts bought in a panic, failed legislation to introduce zero emission vehicle standards that would have led the world, as well as increased pollution, corruption, and waste.
