Who
- Health care facilities in the city of Berkeley
What
In last week’s election, Measure GG was defeated. In an effort to reach this outcome, Hospital Council, on behalf of members with health care facilities in the city of Berkeley, provided a statement to the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce and the No on Measure GG campaign expressing significant concerns with the Large Building Fossil Fuel Emissions Tax on the November ballot. The result was 68% of constituents voting against the measure.
Had the measure passed, owners of large buildings of 15,000 feet or more would have been taxed on the amount of natural gas they use. The measure further increased the tax annually for inflation plus 6%. Hospitals and other health care facilities were not exempted.
Takeaway/Next Steps
Hospital Council expects this issue will continue to be a priority for Berkeley moving forward. Hospitals also support efforts to promote electrification in communities and are committed to working with local policy makers to craft solutions that balance patient care and the environment.
Contact
RVP Rebecca Rozen at rrozen@hospitalcouncil.org