We recently discussed how Ojai, California is banning gas in new construction. Now, a much bigger city is tossing their hat in the gas-free ring. San Francisco’s board of supervisors unanimously voted this week to ban gas in new buildings, making it the second-largest city in the country to do so after its neighbor, San Jose. 

The new law goes into effect in June 2021 and will apply to more than 54,000 homes and 32 million square feet of business space slated for construction. The measure does make an exception for restaurants, which can apply for 18-month exemption waivers. 

Natural gas accounts for 40 percent of San Francisco’s overall emissions, making it the second-largest source of climate-warming pollution in the city. All-electric homes also greatly improve indoor air quality as gas appliances produce nitrogen oxide pollution. As an added bonus, all-electric homes are more cost-effective in the long run than their gas-powered counterparts. It’s a win-win situation for the environment and residents. 

We are excited to see San Francisco take this step and hope it prompts other cities, big and small, to follow suit. Want to learn more about the benefits of all-electric homes? Check out our article on why all developers should ditch gas for good.