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The Fremont Planning Commission held a work session on Thursday, Nov 17 to discuss the proposed Climate Action Plan (CAP). Among the implementing measures is a Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance (RECO) that would require energy retrofits be completed when a home is sold. This could cost a home seller hundreds of dollars.
Realtor members have testified at several meetings and met with Fremont officials in an attempt to remove these proposals from the CAP. The Planning Commission appears to understand the negative impacts such requirements would have on the real estate market. However, City staff are still set on including the RECO, and it’s point-of-sale requirements, in the final CAP.
Alameda County Planning staff is urging the Board of Supervisors to adopt an ordinance that would require property owners to complete energy efficiency retrofits prior to their homes being sold. The proposal is part of the latest version of the County’s draft Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP). Bay East members and staff worked with the County during 2010 to remove the point-of-sale requirements from the CCAP. However, in response to a threat of litigation from another interest group, County staff is now suggesting the retrofits be added back into the plan.
If the County Supervisors accept the the staff recommendation of including a Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance (RECO) in the CCAP, all homes being sold in Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Fairview, Sunol and the rest of unincorporated Alameda County would be subject to energy retrofits at the time of sale.
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors will review the draft CCAP at a meeting on May 17.
Post Office recycles electronics FREE. Next time you’re in the post office, ask the postal clerk for an envelope to recycle your cell phones, PDAs, MP3 players, ink jet cartridges, digital cameras, and small electronics. The post office provides this free service, and all you have to do is peel the label of this 6-inch by 5.5-inch envelope and drop in your mail box.
Find local recycling centers for many other materials at Earth911.com
~ Barry Ripp www.barryripp.com
