Council opposes AQMD's proposed rules on gas furnaces and water heaters, votes 7-0

The Anaheim City Council adopted a resolution opposing proposed amendments to South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Rules 11-11 and 11-21, which would change the allowable mix of gas versus electric residential and commercial furnaces and water heaters. The vote was 7-0.

Councilmember Katherine Kurtz, who requested the agenda item, said she supports air quality goals but expressed concern about costs and technical hurdles for older homes and multifamily buildings. "My concern is the cost to residents, whether they be homeowners or renters and our businesses," she said.

Climate and environmental advocates addressed the council before the vote. David Martinez of Climate Action Campaign urged the council to oppose the resolution, saying the rules "would not ban them and they would not phase them out," and that the AQMD staff had found the rules cost-effective. Other speakers argued upgrades would lower long-term bills and that rebates are available.

Staff described the AQMD actions as regional rulemaking covering Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties; AQMD later rescheduled its hearing to June 6. The AQMD proposals include manufacturer-level limits and mitigation fees in revised drafts, but council members said the rules remain unclear about how costs will be borne by households, particularly in Anaheim's older housing stock.

After debate, the council passed the resolution opposing the proposed amended rules, 7-0. The council directed staff to transmit the resolution to AQMD and to continue monitoring rule development and potential local impacts.