California’s low-income housing climate initiative faces budget cuts

California’s plan to reduce building emissions through the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program may see a significant budget reduction.

Aaron Cantú reports for Capital & Main.

In short:

• Governor Gavin Newsom proposes a 33% budget cut to California’s Equitable Building Decarbonization Program, initially funded at $922 million, to manage a $38 billion deficit.
• The program aims to replace gas appliances in low-income homes with electric ones, such as heat pumps and stoves, to mitigate climate change without evicting tenants.
• This reduction threatens to exclude a third of the intended beneficiaries, sparking concern among advocates and participants about the future of this climate initiative.

Key quote:

“The real goal from our perspective was to make healthy homes.”

— Alex Jasset, director of energy justice at Physicians for Social Responsibility Los Angeles

Why this matters:

California’s approach involves providing financial incentives, such as grants or low-cost loans, so property owners can replace outdated, gas-powered systems with electric ones, such as heat pumps for heating and cooling. This transition not only supports the state’s climate goals but also ensures that low-income households are not left behind in the green transition.Why housing security is key to environmental justice.