Gavin Newsom: Green, Green, Green, Green. Green.

What started out as a critical necessity has (of course) slowly turned into a self-righteous stance. This sentiment, at times, creeps us out. Probably because we loathe dealing with that smelly green compost bin. We're always afraid people will discover leek and egg shell remnants in our garbage can. But still, we're thrilled to hear this news. Or not. Don't hit us. (Denizens of the Bay Area tend to wet themselves silly over whether or not one's green ideology stems from an altruistic place. Anyway.)

According to CBS 5's Green Beat, today the Gav proposed new building codes that will hopefully win us the title of nation's greenest skyline. Ever. In the world. Which, of course, is a good thing since other cities will follow suit. They almost always do.

Specifically, "the plan calls for all buildings over 75-feet tall and major commercial renovations of over 25,000 square feet to be in compliance with the highest benchmarks for green certification set by the U.S. Green Building Council." This won't affect any projects that are already a done deal, and the plan will have to be approved by the Supes.

LEED certification simply, more or less, means that buildings will reduce waste sent to landfills; conserve energy and water; make a healthier and safer space for occupants; reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions; ultimately qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances, and other incentives in hundreds of cities; and demonstrate an owner's commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. So...yay! We think.

Read more about it here.