News
Proposed legislation would protect California’s affordable housing funding
The Daily Journal – March 21
As state laws pushing for affordable housing production continue to take shape, a new bill proposed by state Senator Josh Becker, D-San Mateo, looks to keep funding for below-market rate housing flowing in cities that could otherwise be cut off as a result of existing penalties for not meeting housing goals. Local jurisdictions can find themselves barred from receiving state funding to produce subsidized homes as a result of insufficient plans to build new housing, a penalty built into the Regional Housing Needs Allocation targets. Becker’s bill would also allow cities to receive credit for converting existing housing stock to below-market rate.
Palo Alto moves forward with plan to preserve dozens of homes to keep lot-splitting away
The Mercury News – March 22
Palo Alto is moving forward to speed up registration of over 100 historic homes identified in a 2000 report despite fears the city would use preservation as a way to skirt Senate Bill 9 altogether. But council members made clear Monday evening that they will only seek preservation for about 130 already eligible properties, based on a historic preservation study of landmark homes conducted in the city two decades ago, after residents raised concerns that Palo Alto would use historic preservation to avoid splitting lots allowed under SB 9.
Target looks to massive solar panels in a California parking lot as a green model to power its stores
CNBC – March 17
Target has turned a California location into its most sustainable store. Solar panels on the roof of the store and carports will power the entire store, from its refrigeration to its heating and air conditioning. The chain expects the solar panels to produce 10% more energy than the store needs, which it will return to the local power grid. It could become a new model for the national retailer, as it sets goals to reduce carbon emissions and works to signal to customers and investors that it is serious about sustainability.
PG&E submits proposal to reduce emissions at California universities
Solar Industry Magazine – March 17
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has proposed a new pilot to help the University of California and California State University systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions in support of the state’s climate goals. If approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, participants could take a variety of steps to receive incentives, including retrofitting buildings to be more energy efficient; building new construction efficiently with energy usage top of mind; and investing in on-site renewables.
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