Berkeley aims to tax large buildings for natural gas use after gas ban repeal

Berkeley residents will vote in November on a first-of-its-kind tax targeting natural gas consumption in large buildings to fund the city's transition to electric alternatives.

Akielly Hu reports for Canary Media.

In short:

• The proposed tax targets buildings more than 15,000 square feet, charging $2.96 per 100 cubic feet of gas used.
• Expected to generate $26.7 million annually, 90% of funds will go to electric retrofits in homes and buildings.
• The measure faces legal scrutiny similar to the gas ban but proponents believe it will hold up in court.

Key quote:

“People look to Berkeley as a bellwether for progressive climate action as well as an incubator of ideas. Someone needs to be putting ideas out there, and we think that has been and can continue to be Berkeley.”

— Daniel Tahara, lead organizer, Fossil Free Berkeley

Why this matters:

Shifting large buildings to electric power is crucial for reducing carbon emissions. Berkeley's tax could set a national precedent for how cities fund and enforce decarbonization policies.

Related EHN coverage:

• Berkeley, California, ambitious gas ban faces major setback, raising questions for similar initiatives nationwide
• Derrick Z. Jackson: Natural gas vs. renewable energy — beware the latest gas industry talking points
• How utilities’ fossil fuel investments are driving up rates for the most vulnerable