Building Code Mandate Vetoed

 By vetoing AB 1058 (Laird), Governor Schwarzenegger reaffirmed the state’s role in developing and adopting building standards – particularly those to promote “greenbuilding” – that are right for California. AB 1058 would have mandated unreasonable and, in many cases, unworkable greenbuilding standards for residential construction. 

CBIA had targeted AB 1058 for a veto after the author refused to amend the measure to eliminate some of the most offensive provisions, including the proposed use of the LEED Greenbuilding Rating System – a national so-called greenbuilding organization promoting sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency and indoor air quality in connection with commercial and residential construction. And, as the Governor stated in vetoing the measure, the LEED standards don’t necessarily work in California. Said the Governor, “If implemented, provisions in this bill would put the health and safety of Californians at risk by being in conflict with current safety standards.” The Governor said LEED’s framing standards don’t meet seismic standards in California nor does LEED support state precautions for wildfire safety. 

 The Governor also took issue with LEED, a private entity not accountable to any public body, setting building standards for California. The Governor also vetoed similar bills affecting public and commercial buildings. 

 CBIA supports the Governor’s efforts to expand greenbuilding in California, utilizing the expertise and deliberations of the state Building Standards Commission and its contributory state agencies such as the Department of Housing and Community Development and the California Energy Commission.