Commission backs resolutions supporting municipal electrification and electric-preferred building code

The San Francisco Commission on the Environment voted unanimously Nov. 25 to adopt resolutions supporting two Department of the Environment-sponsored ordinances aimed at reducing natural‑gas use in buildings.

Cindy Comerford, the department’s climate program manager, asked the commission to endorse an electric‑preferred reach code for private new construction and a municipal‑electrification ordinance that would eliminate natural gas in new municipal buildings and major renovations. "The elimination of natural gas is absolutely critical," Comerford said, citing public‑health and climate risks tied to methane and historic incidents such as the 2010 San Bruno natural‑gas explosion.

Commissioner Walt moved to approve the municipal electrification resolution (identified in the explanatory packet as file/board references listed in the staff materials) and Commissioner Stevenson seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote. Commissioners later moved and approved a second resolution supporting the electric‑preferred buildings approach.

Comerford said the electric‑preferred reach code raises the bar for mixed‑fuel construction by requiring higher energy‑efficiency standards for buildings that retain gas systems, while all‑electric buildings would meet state standards without the efficiency penalty. She said the municipal ordinance applies to new city construction and major renovations above a stated threshold.

Commissioners pressed staff on sequencing and implementation. Commissioner Walt asked whether the municipal item applied only to city buildings; Comerford confirmed it does. Walt also noted a desire to revisit stronger, all‑electric language if the market does not respond, and Comerford and Director Rafael said the department will launch a 0‑emission building task force and pursue a stakeholder outreach effort with labor, the building trades and restaurants to address technology, workforce and equity concerns. Comerford told the commission that supervisor Mandelmann had sponsored the electric‑preferred reach code and that supervisor Brown had sponsored the municipal ordinance.

Next steps include committee hearings at the Board of Supervisors (the reach code was scheduled for the Land Use Committee) and continued stakeholder engagement; Comerford and staff committed to return with implementation details and timelines. The commission’s votes were recommendations and do not by themselves change the municipal code; they signal the department’s support as the Board of Supervisors considers the ordinances.

The commission adjourned after other business.