An Act relative to the electrification of new and substantially remodeled or rehabilitated

HD 1720 requires new commercial buildings and those substantially remodeled (affecting 50%+ of floor area) to use electricity instead of fossil fuels for heating, cooling, cooking, and clothes drying, effective January 1, 2026. It specifically targets biolabs and hospitals with phased emissions limits (e.g., hospitals must reduce emissions to 2.4 kg CO2e/sq ft annually by 2045) and mandates net-zero carbon by 2050 for biolabs. The bill includes limited exemptions for freestanding appliances, emergency generators, and hot water systems where electric alternatives are cost-prohibitive. The Department of Energy Resources will create implementation rules, and municipalities may enforce penalties for violations.