Report on California Legislation AB 306 and Its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Bay Area cities have been actively developing plans to reduce climate-heating emissions that exacerbate such disasters. However, the proposed California legislation AB 306 poses a significant threat to this progress by potentially pausing local governments from adopting new energy-efficient building codes until 2031.

Legislative Context and Implications

1. Fast-Tracked Approval: AB 306’s provisions have been expedited through a budget trailer bill process, making it eligible for approval by midnight Monday.
2. Restrictions on Local Governments: The bill would ban most local governments from implementing stronger building codes that promote energy efficiency for six years, limiting advancements despite intensifying climate disasters and technological progress.
3. Impact on Local Control: This measure circumvents local authority and the normal legislative process in the state Senate.

Case Studies: San Jose and Palo Alto

San Jose and Palo Alto serve as examples of how smart building codes contribute to climate resilience and public health, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

• In 2019, both cities adopted codes emphasizing electrification and reducing gas hookups, leading to cleaner air and lower emissions.
• Additional incentives for solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, and efficient home appliances have further supported sustainability efforts.
• Thousands of residents benefit from lower energy costs and improved air quality.

Local Solutions and SDG Alignment

Across California, cities have tailored building codes to address specific local challenges such as sea level rise, housing shortages, and wildfire risks. This approach supports SDG 11 by promoting resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban development.

Critique of AB 306

• Misguided Justification: Although proponents argue AB 306 will aid fire victims in rebuilding affordably, studies show no clear link between energy code updates and rising housing prices.
• Economic Impact: Pausing energy code updates could exacerbate California’s affordability crisis. Energy standards have saved over $100 billion in utility costs over the past 50 years, with an expected additional $4.8 billion in savings from upcoming updates, supporting SDG 7.
• Environmental and Financial Benefits: Energy-efficient homes reduce living costs and construction expenses by up to $10,000 per unit by eliminating gas infrastructure needs.
• Risk of Increased Vulnerability: The bill’s restrictions may increase future wildfire risks by blocking clean energy policies that reduce climate-warming pollution, counteracting SDG 13.

Recommendations for Policymakers

1. Empower communities to adopt agile, technology-driven solutions that enhance energy efficiency and affordability.
2. Preserve local authority to update building codes in response to evolving climate and housing challenges.
3. Promote policies that simultaneously reduce pollution and facilitate sustainable housing development, in line with SDG 11 and SDG 13.

Conclusion

The proposed AB 306 legislation threatens to halt critical progress in energy efficiency and climate resilience at a time when such measures are urgently needed. Supporting local initiatives and maintaining momentum in sustainable building practices are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action, sustainable cities, and affordable clean energy.

Report prepared based on commentary by David Cohen, San Jose City Councilmember, and Vicki Veenker, Palo Alto Vice Mayor, originally published July 1, 2025.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses building codes promoting energy efficiency and electrification, reducing reliance on gas hookups and encouraging solar panels and electric vehicle chargers.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Local governments are developing plans to reduce climate-heating emissions and increase climate resilience, addressing wildfire risks and housing shortages.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article highlights efforts to lower climate-heating emissions, cut pollution, and improve resilience against climate disasters such as wildfires.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Healthier air quality from reduced emissions and cleaner energy use is emphasized, benefiting public health.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Advances in building codes and technology adoption are discussed as means to improve energy efficiency and infrastructure resilience.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and vulnerable.
   • Target 11.b: Increase the number of cities adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Energy Cost Savings
   • The article mentions more than $100 billion saved in utility costs over 50 years and an expected $4.8 billion in future savings from updated energy codes, which can serve as an indicator of improved energy efficiency (related to SDG 7.3).
2. Adoption of Energy-Efficient Building Codes
   • The number of local governments adopting stronger building codes promoting electrification and energy efficiency can be tracked (related to SDG 11.b and 13.2).
3. Reduction in Climate-Heating Emissions
   • Levels of emissions reductions achieved through electrification and clean energy policies implied in the article (related to SDG 13.1 and 13.2).
4. Air Quality Improvements
   • Healthier air quality due to reduced pollution from gas appliances is implied as an indicator (related to SDG 3.9).
5. Housing Affordability and Construction Costs
   • Cost savings per housing unit from eliminating gas infrastructure (up to $10,000 per unit) can be an indicator of affordable and sustainable housing development (related to SDG 11 and SDG 9.4).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: mercurynews.com