Dear Mayor Combs,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to bring your attention to
AB306 — a bill that, if passed in its current form, would prevent updates
to state and local residential building codes for the next six years.
Critically, it would also prohibit local governments, including the City of
Menlo Park, from adopting local amendments to the state building code.
This restriction would significantly undermine Menlo Parks ability to
implement innovative and cost-effective climate and housing strategies. The
current code cycle presents a valuable opportunity to consider impactful
options such as transitions from AC to heat pumps, adoption of FlexPath,
and Energy Performance standards. AB306 would effectively remove these
tools from the Citys climate action toolkit, impeding progress on both
environmental goals and resident well-being.
As a quick but meaningful action, here is a link to a sign-on letter
for local elected officials. Would you be willing to sign-on?
Time is of the essence. The bill may be heard in the Senate Housing
Committee as soon as Tuesday, June 24. It has also been referred to the
Senate Local Government Committee. It is important that Chair Wahab and
other committee members hear from concerned local leaders before the
hearing.
Thank you for your time and leadership. Please feel free to reach out if
you have any questions or would like to discuss further.
Warm regards,
Eduardo L. Hernandez
