Municipalities attempting to enact new laws to cut carbon emissions are being restrained in some cases by existing laws that favor fossil fuels.
For example, the town of Brookline, Mass., enacted at ban on natural gas and oil heating systems and cooking appliances using fossil fuels in new buildings. But, the state’s attorney general overturned the law, citing the town’s lack of authority to create their own building permitting rules or to control the piping installed in buildings.
Though the attorney general supports the town’s carbon-cutting goal, she said that municipalities cannot legally override the state’s Department of Public Utilities on this issue. Environmental advocates say regulations and laws such as the one cited in the Bay State will have to be revisited to advance carbon-emission reduction policies.
New York State has a policy that guarantees access to natural gas service to all residents in areas where it is available. California’s Natural Gas Act requires the state’s energy planning agency to issue a report every four years that identifies strategies to maximize the benefits of natural gas. These laws may make it more difficult to fully electrify new buildings.
Related Stories
| Sep 30, 2011
OSHA Releases New Nail Gun Safety Document
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have developed a new guidance document, Nail Gun Safety—A Guide for Construction Contractors.
| Sep 30, 2011
Cement Industry Advocates For Environmental Regulatory Relief
EPA regulations impacting the cement industry could force the closure of 18 of the nearly 100 US cement plants and cost 4,000 manufacturing jobs .
| Sep 30, 2011
IRS Releases New Rule On Reclassifying Independent Contractors
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a new Voluntary Classification Settlement Program that allows an employer to reclassify independent contractors as employees if those workers previously were misclassified.
| Sep 29, 2011
Illinois Grapples With Definition of ‘Clean’ Construction Debris
The Illinois Pollution Control Board holds hearings this week about construction debris rules proposed by the state Environmental Protection Agency.
| Sep 15, 2011
Alabama Prepares First Statewide Residential Building Code
Following a series of devastating tornadoes that ripped through Alabama on April 27th, the state is preparing to implement the first statewide building code for residential structures.
| Sep 15, 2011
New Label Established For Energy Efficient Doors in UK
The British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) has established a labelling program for all types of domestic pedestrian doors.
| Sep 15, 2011
EPA Releases New High-Rise Residential Energy Star Rating
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced an Energy Star rating for multi-family high-rise buildings.
| Sep 15, 2011
Bill Seeks To Spur Stronger Building Codes Nationwide
The Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2011 would provide strong financial incentives for states to adopt and enforce strong building codes.
| Sep 15, 2011
New Federal Law Limits Amount of Formaldehyde in Wood
President Obama signed into law legislation that limits the amount of formaldehyde in wood. The new measure will impact particle board and other composite wood products .
| Sep 12, 2011
Living Buildings: Are AEC Firms up to the Challenge?
Modular Architecture > You’ve done a LEED Gold or two, maybe even a LEED Platinum. But are you and your firm ready to take on the Living Building Challenge? Think twice before you say yes.