Health advocates, environmental groups, heat pump installers, local electeds celebrate decision as.
SAN FRANCISCO — The Bay Area Air District voted today to move forward with the strongest clean appliance standards in the nation, putting millions of Bay Area homes on a path to switch from gas water heaters to zero-emission alternatives. Beginning in 2028, households will be required to install water heater appliances that meet clean air standards as old gas units burn out, with exemptions approved today for low-income households and complicated installations.
Gas appliances in Bay Area homes and buildings generate more smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution than all of the region’s passenger cars combined. The Air District estimates its clean appliance standards for water heaters and furnaces could prevent up to 85 premature deaths and 15,000 asthma attacks each year.
The switch also saves families money. New research from RMI finds $360 in annual savings for Bay Area residents from switching from gas water heater to a heat pump. Analysis from SPUR projects $315 million in rebates for home energy efficiency will be available in the next three years to support the transition.
The vote follows thousands of public comments in support of the standards, despite an industry-backed opposition campaign linked to oil interests.
“The research makes it clear that climate policies and affordability go hand-in-hand and today the Bay Area is taking the historic step of making clean home appliances the standard for a better future,” said Melissa Yu, Campaign Strategist for Clean Heat, Sierra Club .
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