This Week’s News for LA’s Best Buildings

Connection Cues

Will the EPA Crack Down on Pollution From Buildings?

The Clean Air Act gives the U.S. government broad power to protect public health by regulating major sources of pollutants. Rules developed under the law have, for example, required power plants to install filters and scrubbers to limit the release of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, has also used the law to phase lead out of gasoline and issue vehicle standards to reduce tailpipe emissions.

News

California Approves a Wave of Aggressive New Climate Measures

California, with an economy that ranks as the world’s fifth-largest, embarked this week on its most aggressive effort yet to confront climate change, after lawmakers passed a flurry of bills designed to cut emissions and speed away from fossil fuels.

Legislators approved a record $54 billion in climate spending and passed sweeping new restrictions on oil and gas drilling as well as a mandate that California stop adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere by 2045.

Inflation Reduction Act Benefits: Millions of Efficient Electrified Buildings

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the most significant climate legislation in United States history. Energy Innovation Policy and Technology LLC® modeling finds the IRA’s $370 billion in climate and clean energy investments could cut U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions up to 43% below 2005 levels by 2030.

How Commercial Buildings Can Make the Grid More Reliable for All

Most people in the U.S. have gotten at least one message from their electricity provider this summer reminding us to be mindful about lowering our AC or using heavy appliances during peak power hours. The basic notion behind these messages is “we can all do our part.” But these messages make utility companies triage electricity usage. What is a more pressing issue, an elderly couple running their window unit AC to stay safe or empty office towers cooling their buildings to 70 degrees when most floors sit empty?

August Top 10 Solutions

The top 10 solutions on the Better Buildings Solution Center from the past month include strategies for low carbon technologies, energy project financing, and more. This month’s roundup also includes two new solutions, featuring partner Life Time, Inc. and a webinar about community resilience. Check them out!

The Route Fire burning alongside Interstate 5 in Castaic, CA (Image by Marcio Jose Sanchez.)