A building code for higher energy efficiency is needed in our city

^{The Waltham chapter of Mothers Out Front urges citizens concerned about healthy, energy-efficient housing to attend the City Council meeting tonight, Monday, Feb. 10. The council will be deliberating on a resolution to add a new building code to the agenda for its Feb. 18 meeting.} 

^{The proposed building code is called the Specialized Stretch Code. It was issued by the state’s Department of Energy Resources (DOER), which manages the Green Communities Act in which Waltham participates. The Specialized Stretch Code would require new construction to be all-electric or prewired with the capacity to support future electrification. New buildings that use fossil fuels such as natural gas will be required to have solar panels, which will reduce future utility costs.} 

^{As concerned mothers and caregivers, we support this measure to improve the environmental quality of our homes and community. The burning of natural gas can lead to hazardous gas leaks and has been linked to poor indoor air quality and asthma in children. Ensuring sufficient electrical capacity gives residents the option to use induction cooktops, heat pumps, electric vehicles and solar power. Electrical systems are core to new construction, and it is easier to plan for increased capacity from the start rather than retrofit later. Environmentally, electricity allows for flexibility and control over energy sources, easing the switch to renewable sources.} 

^{Mothers Out Front has collected more than 200 signatures in support of adopting the new code, but its passage is not assured. MOF encourages residents to attend the City Council meetings on Feb. 10 and Feb. 18 to learn more and show support for this measure.}

Mothers Out Front is a nationwide, grassroots nonprofit powered by mothers advocating for a liveable climate for their children.