SoCal Gas Furnace Ban Rejected | NBC Los Angeles
Southern California’s aspiring plan to curb emissions from gas furnaces and water heaters hit a snag. A contentious vote led to a revision of proposed air quality regulations. Concerns over costs to residents and businesses fueled the decision, pushing the South Coast Air Quality Management District to reconsider the original proposals.These rules, designed to tackle nitrogen oxides and improve regional air pollution, have faced pushback from various parties, including the potential legal challenges. Local leaders like Orange county Supervisor Janet Nguyen voiced financial impact concerns. Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell questioned the delay, highlighting the urgency of change. The committee will revisit these guidelines to improve California’s move towards cleaner energy. For more breaking news, read local coverage via News Directory 3. Discover what’s next …
SoCal air Quality Rules Face Revision After Contentious Vote
Updated June 7,2025
Southern California air quality regulators voted to reconsider proposed rules aimed at curbing emissions from gas-powered furnaces and water heaters. The South Coast Air Quality Management District board, in a 7-5 vote, opted to send the air quality regulations back to committee for revisions.
The proposed rules targeted nitrogen oxides (NOx), pollutants linked to respiratory problems and climate change. The district,which oversees air quality for 16.8 million people across several counties, estimated the rules could prevent thousands of premature deaths and new asthma cases over two decades.
However,the board received meaningful pushback,including a threat of legal action from U.S. Attorney Bilal “Bill” Essayli. Essayli argued that the rules infringed on federal energy policy.
Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen voiced concerns about the financial impact on residents. “I,like everybody here,support clean air,” Nguyen said. ”These rules don’t target refineries or shopping ports.They target people. The 17 million homeowners, renters, seniors and small businesses.”
Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, a supporter of the initial rules, questioned the delay: “If we don’t start now, when will we affect any change?”
California has been aggressively pursuing policies to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. This includes considering a ban on new gas-powered car sales by 2035. The rejected rules would have phased out gas furnace and water heater sales, starting with a 30% target in 2027 and increasing to 90% by 2039. Manufacturers would have faced fees for non-compliance.
The original proposal called for zero-emissions standards for residential buildings by 2029, but was amended after opposition from businesses like Southern California Gas. The regulations would have impacted millions of appliances in residential buildings.
During a five-hour board meeting, clean air advocates and residents voiced differing opinions. Board chair Vanessa Delgado acknowledged the complexity of the issue. “I don’t believe that there’s necessarily a good or right answer about these rules,” she said.
Lynwood City Councilmember Juan muñoz-Guevara argued the rules were crucial for environmental justice. “Gas appliances in our home are one of the largest sources of smog-forming pollution in the region.We cannot meet clean air goals without tackling this,” muñoz-Guevara said.
Yorba Linda City Councilmember Peggy Huang and Chino Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Burton expressed concerns about increased costs for residents and businesses. However, air quality regulators maintain the rules would ultimately save consumers money through reduced energy bills.
What’s next
The committee will now revise the proposed air pollution rules, addressing concerns raised by board members and the public before bringing them back for another vote.