What is Happening?
The Bay Area Air District is considering zero-emission appliance rules that will reduce air pollution and improve public health. These rules (9-4 and 9-6) work by phasing out the sale and installation of new gas-powered appliances according to the following timeline.
2027 – only zero NOx water heaters can be sold or installed in the Bay Area.
2029 – only zero NOx furnaces can be sold or installed in the Bay Area.
2031 – only zero NOx large commercial water heaters can be sold or installed in the Bay Area.
Why are These Rules Important?
In the Bay Area, gas-powered furnaces and water heaters emit more nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions than cars. There is no safe level of NOx exposure, which can cause asthma, induce coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and increase our risk of respiratory infections. These gas appliances also release microparticles that can cause neurological diseases, heart attacks, stroke, lung cancer, and premature death.
Health studies conducted by the Air District estimate that these rules, if implemented, would annually,
- save 890 million dollars in health impacts,
- prevent 85 premature deaths,
- and prevent 15 thousand asthma attacks.
Unfortunately, powerful interests such as the gas industry and real estate industry are actively seeking to delay, weaken, or stop these rules.
What Can You Do?
Bay Area residents are encouraged to attend or zoom into the May 6th Bay Area Air District Board of Directors meeting and give a public comment in support of these appliance rules. We are asking for these rules to be implemented without delay, while including flexibility measures to support low-income residents and disadvantaged communities who disproportionately suffer from negative air quality.
Click here to RSVP, and if you plan on attending in person, wear blue. We will follow-up with updates and talking points for the meeting.
Resources to Learn More