EFCA is helping guide the way to a decarbonized, electrified future. Founded by contractors, we have been representing contractors in California for over 20 years. EFCA is well established as a leader in clean energy contractor education and training.
For nearly all working professionals, time is our most valuable resource. Staying on top of changes to state energy policy and building codes is rarely a high priority. One of the most important member benefits a trade organization can provide, on their behalf, is effective advocacy, in policy discussions.
At Efficiency First California (EFCA), it’s our responsibility to ensure the Efficient Energy (EE) and Clean Energy (CE) contractors’ perspective is a key factor in legislative decisions. We proactively participate in policy discussions and provide written comments to ensure the EE & CE contractors’ voice is heard.
Collaboration is crucial
Working alone to change policy is a very difficult task. We have learned that successful advocacy involves partnering with other like-minded organizations to achieve a common goal. We openly share information with other industry stakeholders. Our collaborative approach to advocacy has allowed us to influence policy on a much larger scale than we could achieve on our own.
Advocacy is critical in times of change
The California legislature has enacted aggressive climate goals. We are in the midst of an energy transition, away from fossil fuels and towards renewables and zero-carbon sources. For example, Senate Bill (SB) 100 requires that renewable energy and zero-carbon resources supply 100 percent of retail electric sales by 2045. Transitions of this scale will require new policies and regulations to encourage adoption.
We are participating in multiple policy discussions to ensure contractors will support this transition, and prosper.
Recent efforts and achievements
For years, we have been at the table with lawmakers to represent the contractor’s perspective. Many of these efforts are long-term efforts — this is our central role, and we take it seriously. We have many significant advocacy achievements.
The world is undergoing a massive energy transformation. We can no longer rely on fossil fuels for our primary long-term heating and cooling needs. Heating loads in buildings are responsible for over 25 percent of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions in California.
The transition to zero-carbon electricity will require significant improvements to our state’s energy policies. Much of our current advocacy work is related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.
Stay up to date on our advocacy efforts
The above list is a small sample of our concerted advocacy efforts. For more information, sign up for our newsletter, read our monthly blog and advocacy update, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
