California Senate Bill SB795

California 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/23
• Refer: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/30/23
• Report Pass: 4/18/23
• Refer: 4/18/23
• Refer: 4/19/23
• Report Pass: 4/26/23
• Refer: 4/27/23
• Report Pass: 5/18/23
• Engrossed: 5/30/23
• Refer: 6/15/23
• Refer: 6/19/23
• Report Pass: 6/29/23
• Refer: 6/29/23
• Report Pass: 7/11/23
• Refer: 7/12/23

Caption

Energy: building energy efficiency: heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment sale registry and compliance tracking system: electronic statewide compliance documentation data repository.

Impact

The legislation addresses significant issues regarding compliance with California's Building Energy Efficiency Standards. Reports indicate that a substantial percentage of HVAC installations are both improperly performed and lacking necessary permits, which leads to decreased energy efficiency and increased energy costs. By implementing this system, the state hopes to remedy these compliance gaps, thereby ensuring that contractors adhere to the established energy codes and improve the overall performance of HVAC systems, ultimately benefiting both consumers and the environment.

Summary

Senate Bill 795, introduced by Senator Stern, focuses on enhancing energy efficiency in building construction through the creation of an electronic HVAC equipment sales registry and compliance tracking system. This system aims to improve oversight and enforcement of energy standards for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) installations, which are crucial for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The bill mandates that the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission develop this registry to cross-check HVAC purchases against compliance verification documents required for permits.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 795 is largely supportive, particularly among proponents of energy efficiency and sustainability. Advocates see it as a necessary step toward modernizing compliance mechanisms and addressing the industry's chronic issues with code enforcement. However, some opponents express concerns about limiting public access to registry data and the implications of confidentiality measures on transparency and accountability in contractor practices.

Contention

A notable point of contention involves the confidentiality stipulations outlined in the bill, which declare that the HVAC equipment sales registry and certain compliance data shall not be publicly available. Critics argue that this may hinder public access to important information regarding contractor compliance, raising questions about the balance between necessary privacy protections and the public's right to transparency in regulatory processes. Additionally, the complexity of existing energy codes and enforcement capabilities of local agencies remains a challenge that the new system aims to address, though its effectiveness will depend heavily on adequate funding and administrative support.