Several other communities in the state have embraced similar efforts.
BOSTON MAYOR MICHELLE WU WANTS TO REACH PEAK POPULATION WHILE GUARDING AGAINST SURGING HOUSING COSTS
Wu also announced the city will use $10 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to improve energy performance at the city's affordable housing developments.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu filed an ordinance proposing tight regulations on fossil fuel use in all of the city's future building constructions. (Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
In Boston, 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from the building sector, according to Wu, who said the emissions contribute both to global climate change and to local air pollution that disproportionately harms low-income residents and communities of color in the city.
5 ARRESTED AS BOSTON CLIMATE PROTESTERS BLOCK TRAFFIC, ORGANIZERS SAY 'WE'RE SORRY'
The announcement comes after Massachusetts lawmakers adopted a new law last year meant to encourage communities to embrace fossil fuel-free codes for new construction.
While Wu’s proposal stops short of that, she has expressed interest in taking even more aggressive steps. Wu has said she wants Boston to participate in a new pilot program included in the 2022 law. Under that program, 10 cities and towns will be allowed to require fossil fuel-free new construction, as long as each community first meets the 10% affordable housing target set by state law and also exempts life sciences labs and health care facilities from the all-electric requirements.
Participating cities and towns are expected to be announced later in the year.