SF Bay PSR was so impressed with this speech by SF Youth Commissioner Jin Valencia-Tow, we gained permission to share it with our members!

Presented in July 2025, on the steps of SF City Hall, at the press conference for the SF Climate Plan and Major New Renovations All-Electric Ordinance

By Jin Valencia-Tow

Good afternoon everyone,

My name is Jin Valencia-Tow, I’m 18 years old, and I’m a San Francisco Youth Commissioner, and I represent District 7.

First of all, I think it’s no surprise to everyone that my generation is growing up and with that comes our inheritance of the many disastrous effects of climate change. But what’s so great about San Francisco is that we’re actually trying to do something about it! And part of addressing the climate crisis here in our city means doing something about the fact that 44% of our carbon emissions come from energy use in buildings, which is obviously a lot. And to me this legislation is exciting because it addresses that issue directly. We’ve already required that new construction be all electric, so adding major renovations to that criteria is simply reaffirming our commitment to reducing carbon emissions citywide and is one step closer to creating a zero emissions future for the next generation.

Also, in case you didn’t know: chemicals produced from gas appliances can have incredibly detrimental effects on the health of residents, especially children. Research has shown that the pollutants from gas appliances, such as nitrogen oxide, can lead to asthma in children, as well as heart diseases, and respiratory issues. Gas appliances account for 31% of nitrogen oxide emissions in the Bay Area. From an economic standpoint, the health effects from gas appliances have forced low income communities and communities of color to spend a disproportionate amount of income on health care.

This legislation will help ensure that our solutions to the climate crisis are not just effective in reducing carbon emissions but also equitable in considering that moving towards zero emissions means prioritizing the health of communities that are disproportionately affected by gas appliance emissions.

I’m excited that we’re continuing to work towards our goals in the Climate Action Plan, and I’m confident that this legislation will ensure that young people can inherit a San Francisco that is healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable.

Lastly I want to thank Board President Mandelman and Supervisors Melgar, Mahmood, and Fielder for sponsoring this legislation, as well as the Department of Environment for their work on this bill and additional stakeholder and community input.

Thank you!

Jin Valencia-Tow is currently the District 7 Youth Commissioner, sits on the Housing, Recreation, and Transit Committee, and serves as the Commission’s Legislative Affairs Officer. He was born and raised in the Inner Sunset, is a graduate of the Urban School of San Francisco, and an incoming student at George Washington University. Jin got his start in civic engagement as a leader of the District 7 Youth Council, working to uplift youth voices within District 7 and propose solutions to issues like mental health and transit. He is passionate about affordable housing, rent, transit, and climate justice in San Francisco when advocating for legislation to reduce building emissions.