Montclair council votes 4–1 to send letter opposing proposed South Coast AQMD appliance rules

Mayor Dutre asked council to consider a draft letter and resolution opposing proposed South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) rule changes. The draft addressed AQMD rules (identified in council materials as Rules 1111 and 1121) that, if adopted as written, would require future water‑heater and furnace replacements in the AQMD jurisdiction to be electric rather than gas.

Council members expressed concern about the cost impacts on homeowners and small businesses. Council member Lopez said the low‑end cost estimate for retrofitting a home could be "$6,000," and warned the impact for certain businesses could be "$300,000." Another council member described personal estimates for panel upgrades as high as $15,000 for an older single‑story home and said seniors on fixed incomes could be harmed.

Council member (motion maker) moved to authorize the mayor to sign the draft letter, the motion was seconded, and the council voted 4–1 in favor of authorizing the mayor to send the letter opposing the AQMD rules. The mayor said the city had been approached by residents asking for opposition and noted other local governments had taken similar positions. The council did not formally adopt a local ordinance; the recorded outcome at the meeting was to authorize the mayor to sign and submit the draft opposition letter to AQMD.

Staff and some council members noted air quality is important; the policy choice centered on balancing emissions goals against potential costs to residents and businesses. The council asked to place the draft and supporting materials on a future agenda for additional review as needed.