Dear Council members,
As you have probably learned, on June 30 the State legislature passed AB 130 which severely limits the city’s ability to modify state building codes for the next six years — until 2031! But there is a brief window this summer to make improvements in the City’s local ordinances, consistent with Menlo Park’s previously established goals, especially in regards to health and safety and reducing carbon emissions.
The City staff should be commended in preparing the recommendations in the July 8 Staff Report, keeping Menlo Park among the leading cities in the state regarding its attention to emission reductions. Please vote to suppport the staff Recommendation A (all new air conditioners must be electric heat pump models), and Recommendation B (install electric readiness wiring for all other apppliances). In addition, I ask that you also vote FOR Recommendation C, which would set up a "Flex Path" for other energy efficient and electrification projects in home construction.
By adopting all three of these Recommendations, Menlo Park would retain its leadership position among Claifornia cities working to protect residents health and safety and our planet’s climate. We need strong leadership such as this, and Menlo Park is the place for taking such action!
Sincerely,

Debbie Mytels
Chair, Outreach Committee,
Fossil Free Buildings for Silicon Valley
debbie.mytels@gmail.com
