Newsom Order Could Allow Thousands of Gas-Powered Homes in Fire-Ravaged Los Angeles
Despite evidence suggesting all-electric construction is cheaper and safer, a recent executive order from California Governor Gavin Newsom may permit the rebuilding of homes with fossil fuel infrastructure in areas of Los Angeles particularly vulnerable to wildfires.
Governor Newsom issued the order on Thursday, potentially allowing households rebuilding after the anticipated January 2025 fires to adhere to the 2022 building code instead of the stricter 2025 code. The 2025 code includes provisions designed to incentivize all-electric construction, which experts say is crucial for both climate resilience and affordability.
According to research from UC Berkeley, all-electric homes can be constructed for $7,500 to $9,000 less than those powered by fossil fuels and are up to 90% cleaner. This cost savings comes as communities grapple with the financial burden of rebuilding after devastating wildfires. Furthermore, the January 2025 fires in Los Angeles were reportedly fueled by methane gas lines, highlighting the inherent fire risk associated with continued reliance on fossil fuel infrastructure.
Following the governor’s decision, advocacy groups are intensifying their calls for increased state funding for programs like the Rebuilding Incentives for Sustainable Electric (RISE) Homes program. These programs are vital for providing homeowners with the financial and technical assistance needed to navigate the rebuilding process and choose safer, more affordable, all-electric options. Advocates emphasize that these incentives are essential to ensure impacted communities can access the best rebuilding solutions.
“Building gas into new homes not only costs more, it makes us less safe, less healthy, and less protected from wildfires in the future,” stated a senior attorney with Earthjustice’s Right To Zero campaign. “Newsom should be rebuilding LA with modern standards, and that includes efficient and healthy electric appliances. Rebuilding LA homes with methane gas appliances is like greenlighting lead paint and asbestos insulation in the rebuild after the Northridge earthquake — we have better options, and it makes no sense.”
The building electrification movement is gaining momentum as a key strategy for addressing climate change and improving air quality. A recent image depicts a family cooking on an induction stove, symbolizing the shift towards cleaner energy solutions (Halfpoint Images / Getty Images).
One director of the Sierra Club’s Building Electrification Campaign expressed “extreme disappointment” with Governor Newsom’s decision, arguing that it undermines efforts to build a climate-resilient and affordable Los Angeles. The director noted that continued reliance on fossil fuels exacerbates climate disasters, and that the state should be investing in incentives for sustainable housing rather than removing existing requirements.
“Impacted communities in Los Angeles deserve to build back quickly, safely, and cost-effectively,” said the California Director for the Building Decarbonization Coalition. “California’s building codes are proven to do this while making homes highly efficient, healthy, and more resilient to climate disasters. Waiving building codes is like waiving seatbelts or air bags to build cars faster. We can’t sacrifice Californians’ safety in the process of rebuilding––and this moment underscores the urgent need to fund programs like RISE Homes to provide financial and technical support for homeowners.”
The governor’s order raises serious questions about California’s commitment to climate goals and the safety of its residents, particularly in fire-prone regions. The decision underscores the critical need for robust investment in programs that support the transition to all-electric construction and ensure a sustainable future for Los Angeles.
