For City Council Meeting May 13, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Tanya Williams, City Manager
Title
Request City Council to Consider Adopting Resolution No. 8343, Opposing South Coast Air Quality Management District Proposed Amended Rules 1111 and 1121 Related to the Regulation of Air Emissions from Residential and Business Natural Gas Furnaces and Water Heaters.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council consider adopting a Resolution opposing South Coast Air Quality Management District Proposed Amended Rules 1111 and 1121 related to the regulation of air emissions from residential and business natural gas furnaces and water heaters.
BACKGROUND
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) will consider two Proposed Amended Rules (PARs), Rule 1111 and Rule 1121, regulating the emissions from residential and commercial furnaces and emissions from residential water heaters. The proposed amendments to the rules seek to transition to zero-emission space and water heating appliances, based on future effective dates, when existing appliances need to be replaced. The proposed Resolution seeks to oppose the two rules based on the costs to transition and seeks additional time and assistance to affected residents and businesses.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
One of the functions of SCAQMD is to adopt rules that help the region meet federal air quality standards. Rule 1111 governs emissions from residential and commercial furnaces, while Rule 1121 covers residential water heaters. The proposed amendments to these rules would require the transition to zero-emission space and water heating appliances over time, with requirements taking effect when existing appliances are replaced.
On June 7, 2024, SCAQMD's Governing Board approved similar updates to Rule 1146.2, which will require both new and existing residential and commercial buildings to use zero-emission water heaters, including natural gas-fired pool heaters, larger wate...
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