GREEN BUILDINGS COMMITTEE

Regional Appliance Air Quality Rules Are Under Attack

A vote on the agency’s proposed zero-emission appliance standards have already been delayed, as corporate interests seek to weaken them further.

November 17, 2024

An important proposal to restrict the sale of polluting gas water heaters and furnaces at the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SC AQMD) is under attack by apartment owners, business groups, and SoCal Gas.

What Is Being Proposed

There are some minor exceptions, but basically the rule is that when you need a new water heater or HVAC furnace, only heat pump versions will be available for purchase, starting at the dates listed below:

  • No gas-powered furnaces or water heaters in new buildings starting in 2026.

  • No new gas water heaters in existing buildings starting in 2027.

  • No new gas HVAC systems in existing buildings starting in 2028.

Existing gas equipment is okay to keep for as long as it works.

Why It is important

  • The SC AQMD is responsible for setting policy to get our region in compliance with EPA air quality standards.

  • Our air quality is significantly worse than mandated by federal law, so they have a legal obligation to pass rules like this.

  • The South Coast region is very large, so any rules SC AQMD adopts will have huge implications, much larger than even a city-level rule established by Los Angeles.

How you can help

The proposal is up for a vote on February 7. The rules are under attack by corporate interests that want to maximize profits at the expense of Southern California’s air quality. We need to show that residents support these rules.

  • Join our committee using the form below to get updates on the AQMD rules.

  • Share news stories and social media about the benefits of these rules.

  • Circle February 7 on your calendar to join us in person at the SC AQMD meeting where they will vote on this proposal.

Join Our Committee

The Green Buildings Committee meets monthly online. Sign up using the form below to join the committee and receive our monthly newsletter. Note, this also opts you into the chapter’s email list, if you are not already on it.