Southern California regulators are trying to pass new rules that could cost some households more than $1,500. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is a state government agency that develops, implements and oversees regulatory policy on air quality guidelines for the South Coast region, including South Orange County.
The agency recently proposed amendments to two rules, 1111 & 1121, which have regulated emissions from natural gas-powered furnaces and water heaters since the 1970s. The amended rules would force residents to make a choice once their natural gas-powered furnace or water heater needs to be replaced: either switch to all-electric appliances, which are far more expensive to purchase and operate, or pay hidden fees to continue using ones powered by natural gas.
reviously, the South Coast AQMD had set emissions limits and allowed the market to determine which products or fuels would best meet those standards. Now, it is mandating full electrification as the only option, despite concerns over rising energy bills and the grid’s reliability to accommodate such a massive increase in demand.
Southern California already has an affordability crisis. California’s cost of living is far above the national average and the state is facing another multibillion-dollar budget shortfall. Many in our community struggle to make ends meet from record-breaking taxes and inflation to skyrocketing housing and electricity costs. If passed by the agency’s board, it could cost consumers over $300 million annually, affecting over 17 million residents of Southern California.
I commend the San Clemente City Council for passing a measure opposing these new rules. The Dana Point City Council voted to send a letter of concern.
We need your help to stop these rules by taking action. These updated rules will be put to a vote on June 6 at an SCAQMD hearing in Diamond Bar. We are hoping you may consider attending the hearing and speaking against the measure; or calling in to the Zoom option in opposition (aqmd.gov/home/newsevents/calendar).
Prior to the hearing, you can send a letter. A sample letter can be found on my website. Go to ad74.asmrc.org/category/in-the-news/.
Here’s a breakdown:
• The new rules aim to phase out natural gas-powered space and water heaters to be replaced by “all-electric” units.
If adopted, starting as early as 2026, consumers will be forced either to install expensive electric space heating and tanked water heating appliances or pay a fee to continue using natural gas.
• By 2027, these rules will start to ramp up pushing use of all-electric units for residential space and water heaters.
• In 2029, no less than half of all units sold will be required to be all-electric units.
The changes will have minuscule regional air quality benefits while costing consumers more. The tradeoff is not worth it.
According to a recent economic impact study: The fees associated with these new units are expected to be over $1,500 each. The average household, when replacing both units, will be expected to pay $47,800, a whopping 39% of median homeowner income.
Beyond the initial cost of the appliances, the rules do not account for the substantial retrofit and infrastructure upgrade expenses that owners of older homes will have to bear to accommodate the new technology. These costs could amount to tens of thousands of dollars, placing an undue financial burden on homeowners, renters, and business owners—many of whom can least afford it.
Additionally, I am deeply concerned about the increased strain these rules will place on an already aging electrical grid. This grid not only relies on nonrenewable sources, such as natural gas to generate power, but also it is ill-equipped to handle excessive new demand, posing a significant public safety risk.
Residents have already endured frequent blackouts and service interruptions, and since 2015, electric power lines have caused six of the 20 most devastating wildfires in our community.
Furthermore, numerous residential and commercial projects are currently on hold due to a lack of available power.
Yes, I support efforts to improve air quality! These proposed changes have not shown that they will make any substantive improvement.
I am asking members of our community to join me in opposition to this unfair and unnecessary burden.
Read the Original Article: https://www.picketfencemedia.com/sanclementetimes/soapbox/laurie-s-latest-new-air-quality-rules-would-hurt-consumers/article_a3f17d06-581d-4bb4-a29d-9de31962ba70.html