California Approves More Energy Rules Shunning Natural Gas

A growing number of California cities and towns are strengthening their building codes to require all-electric buildings, green roofs, solar power, and other measures to reduce carbon emissions.

The California Energy Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved seven new local ordinances from Los Angeles to Silicon Valley that go beyond 2019 energy efficiency building codes.

Cupertino, home of Apple Inc., will require future buildings be all-electric, with some exemptions, including for improvements or spaces occupied by laboratories. Commercial kitchens, such as in restaurants, and other buildings that can’t comply could also seek exemptions.

In Los Angeles, all buildings must have ...