Air quality regulators in the Los Angeles basin are set to vote on Friday on two rules aimed at phasing out natural gas-powered water heaters and heating systems. The proposed measures would require manufacturers to sell increasing percentages of zero-emission appliances, starting with 30% in 2027, and impose fees on those who continue to sell natural gas models.
According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, home appliances are among the largest sources of smog-causing gases in the region. The proposed rules could significantly reduce emissions, with officials estimating that they would eliminate the second largest amount of pollutants of any rule enacted over the past several decades.
Consumers will not be required to switch their existing appliances. However, when their natural gas water heaters or heating systems need replacement, they will have the option to choose zero-emission heat pumps powered by electricity. Although the cost of installing these heat pumps can be higher, air quality officials argue that consumers will save money on utility bills in the long run. Between 2027 and 2061, residents in the four-county region are expected to save an annual average of $191 million to $250 million by switching from natural gas to electricity.
The proposal has faced opposition from contractors, developers, and gas companies, who argue that the fees will increase costs for consumers and limit their choices. SoCalGas, for instance, claims the measures could be preempted by federal law and would raise the cost of appliances. However, environmental groups and air quality officials maintain that the long-term benefits, including improved air quality and reduced health costs, outweigh the initial expenses.
The South Coast district expects 90% of all water heaters and furnaces in the region to be zero-emissions by 2061. The Sierra Club supports the measures, highlighting their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health in a region with the worst air quality in the nation.
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