The California Energy Commission will decide on new energy standards for residential construction this week.

"Now, California is on the verge of making solar standard on virtually every new home built in the Golden State," reports Jeff Collins.
The California Energy Commission will vote next week on new energy standards mandating solar panels for most new homes starting in 2020.
The decision to require solar marks a departure from a potential standard that requires net zero energy standards. Collins includes a discussion of the distinction between these two policy paths.
As for the details of the new energy standards, Collins reports: "The new solar mandate would apply to all houses, condos and apartment buildings up to three stories tall that obtain building permits after Jan. 1, 2020." There are exceptions, which Collins lists in the article.
Another important angle for the new energy requirements are the additional cost solar arrays and other features of the proposed energy standard will add to housing construction. "The new energy standards add about $25,000 to $30,000 to the construction costs compared with homes built to the 2006 code," according to estimates cited in the article.
FULL STORY: California to become first U.S. state mandating solar on new homes

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
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