IRVINE – The Irvine City Council recently voted to stop the expansion of natural gas infrastructure and mandate that all new buildings use only electricity, making Irvine the only city in Orange County to make this transition away from fossil fuels in new construction. The decision aligns with California’s goal to shift towards renewable energy sources.
However, unlike a similar ordinance passed in Los Angeles, Vice Mayor Tammy Kim introduced an exemption for commercial restaurants that rely on “traditional cooking methods”. Vice Mayor Kim raised concerns that using fire and high heat is essential to Asian cooking. “Whether we are talking about Korean barbeque, Indian Tandoori ovens, or cooking with woks that have been used in Chinese cuisines for centuries, it is extremely important that we keep and maintain our traditional cooking practices,” said Vice Mayor Kim. “This is really about protecting our culture, heritage, and history, and I refuse to take that away from our Asian communities.
Leading up to the city council meeting, several environmental organizations advocated for the removal of all exemptions from the ordinance. Despite the pressure, Vice Mayor Kim remained steadfast in her efforts to protect the interests of the traditional restaurants. During the meeting, Vice Mayor Kim expressed that it would be unjust and impractical to demand these restaurants to alter their cooking techniques as it would compromise the authenticity and flavor of their cuisine. For numerous ethnic food establishments, their conventional cooking methods are a fundamental aspect of the dishes they serve, and modifying these methods could significantly affect the food’s genuineness and the community’s cultural identity. During the city council meeting, Vice Mayor Kim highlighted that “While it’s vital to progress towards a more sustainable future, it’s equally important that we respect our wonderful diversity. By taking open flames away from restaurants, you are taking away what makes Asian food so distinct. You are taking away what makes bulgogi, bulgogi – which translates into “fire meat” in Korean. I cannot accept that.”
When it was suggested that any restaurants needing open flames can apply for a special waiver to allow for gas, Vice Mayor Kim rejected that idea. She said “By adding another layer of administration, this will put unfair burdens on Asian businesses. I want to protect the diversity of resturants here in Irvine and make it easier for those who want to establish Korean, Chinese, or other Asian resturants to be able to do so without overly complicated obstacles.
While the new ordinance applies to all new construction and major renovations, commercial restaurants that rely on gas stoves and equipment will be allowed to continue using them. Irvine’s electrification ordinance, with the restaurant exemption, passed unanimously and is set to take effect on July 1, 2023.
