DECARBONIZATION

 

WPSR is committed to transitioning all buildings in Washington state to clean, renewable power so that we can all breathe healthier.

News and Updates

The Facts

  • Building electrification is the process of converting buildings to use clean electric power rather than harmful fracked gas for heating, cooking, and other energy needs. By replacing gas appliances with electric ones, Washington residents can power their homes with some of the nation’s cleanest electricity, thanks to the Clean Energy Transformation Act. Building electrification improves indoor air quality and reduces exposure to pollutants, making homes healthier and more climate-friendly. This movement is key to achieving healthier, greener living spaces.

    Fracked gas appliances release toxins that harm respiratory and cardiovascular health, contributing to conditions like asthma, heart disease, and even cancer. Gas appliances emit dangerous pollutants, such as methane and carbon dioxide, which increase greenhouse gases, leading to higher global temperatures and environmental instability. Transitioning to electric alternatives reduces indoor pollution, curtails greenhouse gas emissions, and supports a healthier future by directly addressing the negative health impacts of gas reliance.

  • Starting March 15, 2024, Washington's new building codes require higher energy efficiency standards for new residential and commercial buildings, minimizing the influence of gas industry lobbying. These updated codes promote sustainability and resilience, positioning Washington at the forefront of building electrification and environmental health. The codes protect against harmful emissions in homes and businesses, fostering a state-wide commitment to clean energy and climate health.

Our Work

WPSR and 18 other health, environmental and social justice organizations submitted a letter to the Washington Department of Health calling for the agency to inform the public on the health impacts from burning gas in homes and buildings. Gas equipment, including furnaces, water heaters and stoves, generates as much smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) pollution as Washington's coal and gas-burning power plants. Read the full release here.

State Building Codes Council: Washington state has some of the cleanest building codes in the country, thanks to ambitious updates to the state building code passed in 2022. Thanks in large part to WPSR supporters, all new construction in Washington state for both commercial/multifamily residential buildings, as well as small residential buildings, must be built with high efficiency heat pumps, helping us move off of our reliance on dirty fracked gas to power our homes.

  • The SBCC Residential Code Updates: Dr. Jill Denny gives a presentation about the health consequences of sticking to gas in our homes during her talk to raise awareness and knowledge of the SBCC codes. Dr. Breck Lebegue follows with a short talk to help you feel more comfortable with how to testify in a variety of settings.

  • Cooking with Gas: PSR National partnered with WPSR to give a great webinar on the health harms of gas stoves and produce these written materials. Check them out!

Resources