AB 758 - Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings

In October 2009, CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill (AB) 758, legislation that will make existing buildings more energy efficient and less expensive to operate. The bill, sponsored by Global Green USA and authored by Assembly Member Nancy Skinner (D- Berkeley), will require the California Energy Commission (CEC) to develop an energy efficiency program for all existing residential and commercial buildings.

Energy use in buildings is the largest single global warming pollution source in the United States – accounting for 48% of all greenhouse gas emissions nationally. AB 758 required the California Energy Commission to establish a regulatory proceeding, by March 1, 2010, to develop and implement a comprehensive program to achieve energy savings in the existing residential and commercial building stock that falls significantly below current Title 24 building standards. The bill also requires the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC), by January 1, 2011, to authorize each electrical corporation to provide a targeted number of low- or no-cost energy efficiency audits each calendar year.

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AB 758 was named Top Achievement of the Environmental Community for Climate & Energy in 2009 by Environment Now in their 6th Annual Report.

Official Bill Supporters:
Global Green USA (sponsor)
American Lung Association of California
Breathe California
California Association of Realtors
California Building Industries Association
California Business Properties Association
Coalition for Clean Air
Dow Chemical
Eco Dwell Design LLC
Ella Baker Center for Human Rights
Environmental Defense Fund
Environmental Health Coalition
Friends of the Earth
GreenHab: Sustainable Design Consultants
Haven By Design
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
Pacific Environment
Planning and Conservation League
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
San Diego Coastkeeper
San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization (SJVCEO)
Sierra Club California
South Coast Air Quality Management District
The Utility Reform Network
Union of Concerned Scientists
US Green Building Council (Northern California, San Diego and Los Angeles)