Lawsuit against Denver and Colorado building energy standards ignites controversy

Report on Lawsuit Against Building Energy Standards

Introduction

The filing of a federal lawsuit against large building energy standards in Denver and Colorado has sparked intense debate among supporters and critics of the regulations. This report will provide an overview of the lawsuit and examine the arguments presented by both sides.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
2. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
3. Goal 13: Climate Action

Lawsuit Details

• The lawsuit was filed by apartment and hotel trade organizations.
• The plaintiffs claim that the building energy efficiency regulations are intended to control the types of appliances and equipment used in large buildings.
• The regulations require owners of existing buildings larger than 50,000 square feet to reduce energy usage by 7% by 2026 and 20% by 2030.
• The complaint alleges that these regulations violate the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which preempts local regulation of appliance energy efficiency standards.

Supporters’ Perspective

• Supporters argue that the regulations are necessary to tackle pollution from buildings, which is the number-one source of carbon pollution in Denver.
• They believe that the programs provide flexibility and support for building and business owners, promoting healthy communities and a safe future.
• The standards are meant to promote energy efficiency, reduce renters’ energy bills, and cut unhealthy indoor and outdoor air pollution.

Critics’ Perspective

• Critics claim that the regulations will increase housing costs and potentially limit rental housing stocks.
• They argue that preventing the use of natural gas appliances in the name of climate change is misguided and that natural gas is a low-carbon and affordable energy source.

Legal Arguments

• The plaintiffs argue that the new efficiency standards are intentionally set so low that only full electrification of appliances and building systems can meet the standards, placing financial burdens on building owners.
• They cite a case in Berkeley, California, where a court overturned a city regulation prohibiting the installation of natural gas piping in new buildings, stating that it violated the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.
• Legal experts suggest that the plaintiffs may face challenges in proving impossibility preemption and demonstrating a malevolent motive behind the regulations.

Conclusion

The lawsuit against building energy standards in Denver and Colorado raises important questions about the balance between environmental goals and economic considerations. It highlights the need to find sustainable solutions that align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 13 (Climate Action).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses the federal lawsuit against building energy standards in Denver and Colorado, which relates to the issues of energy efficiency, pollution reduction, and climate change mitigation. These issues are directly connected to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
• SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning

The article mentions the building energy efficiency regulations that require owners of existing buildings larger than 50,000 square feet to reduce energy usage by 7% by 2026 and 20% by 2030. These targets align with SDG 7.3. Additionally, the regulations aim to promote energy efficiency, reduce energy bills, and cut air pollution, which are relevant to SDG 11.6. Finally, the regulations contribute to climate change mitigation by addressing carbon pollution, supporting SDG 13.2.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Energy usage reduction percentage by 2026 and 2030
• Reduction in energy bills
• Air pollution levels
• Carbon pollution levels

The article mentions the specific targets for energy usage reduction by 2026 and 2030, which can be used as indicators to measure progress towards SDG 7.3. The reduction in energy bills can also serve as an indicator of the effectiveness of the regulations in achieving SDG 11.6. Additionally, monitoring air pollution and carbon pollution levels can provide indicators of progress towards SDG 11.6 and SDG 13.2.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Fuente: denvergazette.com

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