As part of its quest to become the "Alternative Energy Capital of the World", Lancaster, California will require all new single-family homes to incorporate solar energy systems beginning Jan. 1, 2014.
"The city announced Thursday [Dec. 26] that the California Energy Commission approved the city’s locally adopted energy standards, making Lancaster the first city in the nation to make residential solar mandatory," reports Jim E. Winburn. "Given authority by the CEC to enforce the ordinance, Lancaster now requires single family residential units – built after Jan. 1, 2014 – to provide an average of 1 kilowatt (kW) of solar-generated electricity per housing unit."
City of Lancaster Communications Manager Joseph Cabral explains to Winburn that the solar mandate in the city's updated Residential Zoning Ordinance can be met in the aggregate in new subdivisions, meaning each home doesn't need its own solar system.
FULL STORY: Lancaster’s state-approved ordinance mandates solar for new homes
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
Renewable Energy Overtakes Coal for First Time
Solar and wind power generated close to a third of U.S. electricity supplies in 2024.
First US Hydrogen Public Utility to Launch in California
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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.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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