Judge rejects attempt to delay building code update with new heat pump rules

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Washington state building code changes designed to get more electric heat pumps installed in newly built houses, apartments and commercial buildings are still on track to take effect next week after a judge on Friday declined an industry-backed request to put the rules on hold.

Construction trade groups and others are challenging the code rewrite in Thurston County Superior Court, arguing that the State Building Code Council overstepped its authority in adopting it. Those who brought the case and other critics describe the new rules as effectively banning natural gas in new construction and say the revisions will lead to higher costs that will get passed to residents.

Environmental groups and other supporters of the code update say that by incentivizing electric heat pumps over natural gas the rules are an important step to combatting climate change. Fossil fuel emissions tied to buildings, they note, are one of the largest sources of carbon pollution after transportation.

Friday’s ruling was only on a request to pause the rules while litigation continues. An underlying court challenge is still alive.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/03/08/judge-rejects-attempt-to-delay-building-code-update-that-includes-new-heat-pump-rules/