California’s elected officials (Democratic Governor + Democratic Super Majorities in California’s State Senate & State Assembly) are on a “Green” mission to not just reduce California’s carbon footprint and greenhouse gases but to achieve “Net Zero Emissions” by 2045. Net Zero Emissions means releasing no greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which requires eradicating fossil fuels and other sources of emissions.

Though Climate Action Plans (CAP) are not required in California, as of 2019, the last data I could find, 64% of California residents live in cities with an approved or adopted Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gases.

Some cities, like La Mesa, are more zealous than others. Type “Climate Action Plan” in the search bar on the City of La Mesa’s website and 3,263 links appear. Type the same thing on the City of Imperial Beach’s website and four links appear.

Pursuing Net Zero Emissions will drastically decrease Californians’ autonomy and self-determination and give Sacramento unprecedented and immense control over how Californians travel, commute, work, live, eat, budget, etc.

For example, by 2035, the sale of new gasoline-powered cars and light trucks will be banned in California. Getting from Point A to Point B will require driving electric vehicles, riding trolleys and buses, walking, and bicycling. Maybe rollerblading will make a big comeback.

California’s legislature also endeavors to shrink the distance between Point A and Point B by requiring cities, suburbs, and towns to foster more walkable, inclusive, transit-oriented communities which is why high-density apartment buildings on public transit are mushrooming.

What changes are coming to real estate?

In 2019, Berkeley, California banned gas stoves in all new construction (homes, apartments, condos, and commercial, including restaurants). Since then, 50 California cities and counties have followed suit.

Last month, the San Diego City Council voted 8-0 to eliminate natural gas hookups in all new construction. No doubt inspired by San Diego’s move to eliminate natural gas; La Mesa City Councilman Jack Shu requested City Staff prepare a proposal that all future construction in La Mesa be electric only.

Shu was supported by Yes votes from Mayor Mark Arapostathis, Councilmen Bill Baber, and Colin Parent. As a Realtor, homeowner, Green New Deal skeptic, and Councilmember who appreciates the importance of affordable energy and the popularity of gas appliances, I was a No vote.

La Mesans will be able to comment – pro and con – when this new ordinance goes up for a vote at a City Council meeting in the near future.

Existing homeowners who love their Wolf 60-Inch Dual Fuel Range French Tops; or those beautiful red, Six-Burner Bertazzoni gas ranges; or even their basic white, four-burner Whirlpool gas stoves may shrug and say these new regulations will not affect them as their homes are not new construction and their stoves are already installed, but they could, and eventually, will.

If the City of La Mesa bans natural gas for new construction, that vote could be followed by another vote to retrofit existing homes to go all-electric. San Diego just updated their Climate Action Plan to eliminate 90% of natural gas within the city limits for all existing buildings – including residential homes – in the next 13 years and La Mesa often follows the actions of San Diego.

Additionally, home remodels need permits. Permits need inspections. Inspectors always require projects “be up to code.” If gas appliances are banned in new construction, trust me, they will be banned in remodels.

Buying a gas stove in the future could be difficult or impossible in California. Perhaps, homeowners will consider crossing state lines to buy their KitchenAid gas stove/range. Will that be a criminal act? Will they be able to hire a plumber to install? Will parts and repairmen be available? Will there even be gas lines to connect to the contraband appliances? Will propane tanks be a workaround then outlawed?

How will residents feel about losing their gas dryers? Their gas fireplaces? Their gas water heaters? Not heating their pools with much cheaper natural gas?What is the cost to electrify a house?

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that a building electrification plan conducted in San Jose, which is similar in population size and residential/commercial makeup to San Diego, estimates that to fully electrify a single-family home would cost $26,000 to $31,000.

That figure cannot include solar panels because the cost to add solar panels to an average-sized house in San Diego (2,500 s.f.) is anywhere from $18,000 – $55,000, depending on the type, model, and size.

A quick sweep of the Internet revealed a cost of $500 – $1,000 for electric vehicle chargers. Additional expenses will be increased utility bills. Based on 2021 calculations per a study done by learnmetrics.com, electricity is three times more expensive than natural gas, even with the current inflated cost of oil.

California has some of the most expensive real estate in the world. It is nearly impossible for young people, the elderly, low income, and the middle class to buy a home in California.

Pursuing Net Zero Emissions will intensify California’s housing unaffordability and accelerate productive people fleeing the state.

– Reach Pacific Sotheby’s Realtor and La Mesa City Councilwoman Laura Lothian at: [email protected].

Photo credit: Pixabay.com