Air board rejects proposed rules phasing out gas-powered appliances

REDLANDS, Calif. — After months of heated debate, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) board voted this week to reject two proposed regulations that would have gradually phased out polluting gas-powered residential appliances beginning in 2027.

Why it matters: The 7-5 vote ends years of debate over whether to phase out gas-powered residential appliances, devices that are among the largest sources of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in Southern California. NOx is a major contributor to smog and is linked to serious health problems, including asthma, heart disease and respiratory illness. Without these rules, the region will rely more heavily on reductions from other sectors like vehicles and refineries, which are already regulated and expected to cut emissions by more than half by 2037.

Details: The amendments, Rule 1111, which targeted gas-fired furnaces, and Rule 1121, which regulated gas-fired water heaters, were part of SCAQMD’s strategy to reduce NOx emissions by 67% by 2037.

If adopted, the regulations would have required zero-emission appliances in new construction by 2027 and for appliance replacements in existing homes by 2029 across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

SCAQMD data show the proposed regulations could have eliminated a third of NOx emissions from residential water heaters and furnaces by 2037, and nearly all such emissions by 2061.

Redlands and other Inland Empire Cities, including Temecula, Yorba Lina, Chino and Upland, formally opposed the rules. The San Bernardino Council of Governments, Inland Action and the Redlands Chamber of Commerce had also joined the resistance, citing high costs and inadequate financial support for residents and small businesses.

The financial burden: SCAQMD estimated that switching to electric appliances could cost households between $5,200 and $8,200 for water heaters and up to $21,500 for furnace replacements, especially if electrical system upgrades were required. 

Although the air district had floated a $21 million “Go Zero” incentive program with rebates ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 per appliance, council members argued the funds fell far short of actual costs—and the rebates themselves would likely be funded through utility fees or taxes.

The decision: After facing sustained opposition from multiple jurisdictions, SCAQMD voted on June 6 to reject the proposed amendments. SCAQMD received more than 30,000 written comments, and the five-hour public hearing featured passionate arguments on both sides. 

The Trump administration’s Justice Department also warned in a letter that it would sue to block the rules.

“California regulators are on notice: if you pass illegal bans or penalties on gas appliances, we’ll see you in court. The law is clear—feds set energy policy, not unelected climate bureaucrats,” U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, a former California state Assemblymember, said on X.

Background: In early April, Redlands City Council tabled a decision on whether to support or oppose the amended rules to allow for more community feedback and clarity on financial implications. During this meeting community members were divided, with environmental advocates urging the city to support the rules.

“This is about doing the right thing to protect people's health,” said Redlands resident Aura Vasquez during a prior council meeting. 

Jennifer Cardenas of the Sierra Club added that NOx emissions are tied to emergency room visits, asthma, heart attacks, strokes, cancer and even Alzheimer’s disease. “We should not say the cost of an appliance is worth more than the cost of a life,” she said.

Opponents, however, warned of steep costs to the consumer and questioned the funding sources of proposed rebates. 

One resident called the rebates a “scam,” arguing they are ultimately funded by consumers through taxes and utility fees. Others warned that older homes, especially those without upgraded electrical systems, would face enormous retrofitting costs.

Council reconvened on May 20 and voted 4-1 to authorize Mayor Mario Saucedo to sign a letter formally opposing the proposed rules. 

The only dissenting vote came from Council Member Denise Davis.

“I can't understand why we'd be opposed to these rules that are important milestones on the path towards greater environmental and health improvements. I really can't,” she said at the meeting. “Sending this letter would send a terrible message and a confusing message to our community.”

Redlands' draft Climate Action Plan 2050 shows that natural gas use in homes contributes around 10% of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions. The transportation sector, by comparison, accounts for 66% of total emissions.

Moving forward: While the rules have been rejected, the SCAQMD board voted to send the proposals back to committee, meaning revised versions could reemerge in the future.