Court backs all‑electric codes
A federal court upheld Montgomery County’s all‑electric building code, affirming local authority to mandate electrification — a legal precedent that strengthens policy tools pushing buildings away from gas. That ruling increases the likelihood other jurisdictions will feel emboldened to require electric‑first construction or retrofits. (earthjustice.org)
Judge Paula Xinis signed the district‑court memorandum opinion in National Association of Home Builders of the United States et al. v. Montgomery County, Civil Action No. 8:24‑cv‑03024‑PX, on March 25, 2026. (cases.justia.com)) The plaintiffs named in the complaint included the National Association of Home Builders, the Restaurant Law Center, the National Federation of Independent Business, the Maryland Building Industry Association, Washington Gas Light Company, the Philadelphia‑Baltimore‑Washington Laborers’ District Council, Teamsters Local 96, and the National Propane Gas Association. (cases.justia.com)) The October 17, 2024 complaint sought declaratory and injunctive relief alleging preemption under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) against Montgomery County’s Bill 13‑22. (strgnfibcom.blob.core.windows.net)) Bill 13‑22 requires the County Executive to issue all‑electric building standards for new construction and major renovations by December 31, 2026, and defines an “all‑electric building” as one containing no combustion equipment or plumbing for combustion equipment. (cases.justia.com)) The court’s March 25, 2026 memorandum opinion denied the plaintiffs’ cross‑motion and granted Montgomery County’s motion for summary judgment. (cases.justia.com)) The opinion records amicus filings and special‑interest participation from Sierra Club and the Chesapeake Climate Action Network on one side and the American Gas Association on the other. (cases.justia.com)) Trade and industry observers including the National Propane Gas Association noted the court found plaintiffs had standing and that the claims were ripe for review even as the court entered judgment for the County. (npga.org))
