Arizona legislators are fast-tracking a strike-everything amendment on SB1278 that will be heard in the Health and Human Services Committee on Monday, March 27th at 2:00 pm. The strike-everything amendment (replacing the original bill with a brand new bill) aims to extend an existing preemption on gas prohibitions that became law in 2020. This amendment, likely promoted by the gas and gas utility industry, will expand the preemption of local control for gas line extensions to include a preemption on all home appliances, taking away local leaders’ ability to establish local building code provisions related to affordability, energy, and public health.
This bill could also have long-lasting effects on health and safety regulations in International Codes related to hazardous chemicals, fire, plumbing, and water. If this striker is passed, it will also thwart local government decision-making related to appliances, zoning, building energy codes, and possibly affordable housing policies.
Representatives on the Health and Human Services Committee must hear from you about concerns relating to this bill as soon as possible!
ACTION KIT
SIGN INTO THE STATE LEGISLATURE’S “REQUEST TO SPEAK” SYSTEM, REGISTER YOUR OPPOSITION AND CALL LAWMAKERS ON THE COMMITTEE. YOU CAN SIGN IN HERE.
Use these talking points for your calls or testimony.
The SB1278 Striker would prohibit local decision-making on codes relating to energy and water efficiency while eliminating regulation of appliances beyond those in the provided definition. With this in mind, we oppose SB 1278 Striker for the following reasons:
It could prevent local governments from adopting codes and ordinances that improve indoor air quality.
It could prevent the adoption of future building energy codes that require ventilation of gas stoves to improve public health.
It could restrict the adoption of codes, plans, or ordinances that plan for all-electric homes to reduce the costs of building development.
It could effectively prohibit the adoption of the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) and regulate hazardous chemical release from appliances found in the International Bulk Chemical Code (IBC Code).
It could apply to any appliances that use electricity and fuel regulated by local governments, such as smoke detectors, circuit breakers, and building exit signs while allowing HVAC or refrigeration systems to use high-explosive refrigerants if the manufacturer included them.
It could prevent local governments from regulating appliances like gas stoves that emit a variety of toxic gasses, including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. These can contribute to respiratory issues, harm children’s lung growth, and lead to heart disease and cancer.
It could prevent water utilities from providing rebates for efficient sprinklers and faucets when Arizona is in a water crisis.
It could also prevent the adoption of several other codes, including the International Mechanical Code, portions of the International Fire Code, the International Plumbing Code, and the International Swimming and Spa code.
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