In what is becoming a trend in California, Irvine, CA has become the latest city in the Golden State to make the transition away from fossil fuels in new construction. In an unanimous March 28th City Council vote, the ordinance to require new construction to be all-electric, was passed as part of Irvine’s plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

The new measures will have some exemptions. According to the Orange County Register, new commercial restaurants with traditional cooking methods like Korean Barbecue will still be allowed as will water heating systems in multifamily communities and other unique circumstances.

Ayn Craciun, an Orange County policy manager at the watchdog Climate Action Campaign, applauded the new ordinance, calling it a shift by Irvine towards a more serious commitment to climate action. She added the council’s decision will bring health and economic benefits to Irvine and hopes the city adds more restrictions like mandating water heater replacements be electric rather than gas in existing buildings.