Bay Area Air District Approves Nation's Strictest Clean Water Heater Standards, Phasing Out Gas Units

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.

Supporters of the standards released the following statements: 

“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. “A transition toward zero-emission gas heaters will reduce a key source of smog pollution, launch programs to help get more people access better technological solutions and lower energy costs. Today’s vote is a victory for cleaner air and for energy affordability.”

“Today’s vote will supercharge the job growth we’re already seeing at heat pump businesses like mine, opening new pathways for early-career Bay Area workers looking for family-sustaining wages and meaningful work. The Bay Area Air District showed real leadership in approving these standards. We’re proud to be on the front lines of equipping homes with energy-efficient technologies that cut energy bills, clean the air, and make homes more comfortable,” said Owen Krebs Grimsich, CEO and owner of 1-888 Heat Pumps.

“Today, the Bay Area chose clean air over fossil fuel pollution. Under these standards, when a household’s gas water heater wears out, it will be replaced with cleaner, more efficient technology like a heat pump, so millions of residents will breathe easier and save money on their energy bills. The Bay Area Air District showed real leadership, and the rest of the country should follow its lead,” said Tony Sirna, Deputy Policy Director for Buildings at Evergreen Action.         

“Today’s vote is a big win for clean air, lower utility bills, and climate leadership,” said Berkeley City Council member Igor Tregub. “The Bay Area is moving forward with the nation’s strongest water heater standards, and millions of families here will breathe cleaner air as a result. These standards build in the flexibility we need to make the transition workable, while growing the market for clean technologies that lower bills and create good jobs.”

“Today, the Bay Area Air District said yes to saving lives and no to gas industry attempts to slow progress to clean our air,” said Fernando Gaytan, senior attorney on Earthjustice’s Right To Zero campaign. “The Bay Area is now one step closer to making non-polluting appliances the  norm thanks to the leadership of board members and staff. This policy will show the rest of the country what’s possible.”

“Today’s vote is a step forward for cleaner air, healthier homes, and a more affordable energy future. By advancing these standards, the Air District shows we can move away from polluting gas appliances without leaving families behind,” said Sam Fishman, sustainability and resilience policy manager, SPUR. “Bay Area cities, utilities, and regional programs are taking the important steps to invest more than $120 million annually in home electrification and energy-efficiency incentives. With these tools, we can make our homes safer for our planet and our health, too.”

“As regional leaders in building electrification, Acterra sees this vote as a vital win for local communities and public health,” said Lauren Weston, Executive Director at Acterra: Action for a Healthy Planet. “Transitioning to zero-emission heat pump water heaters clears toxic nitrogen oxide pollution from our neighborhoods while lowering utility bills and accelerating equitable access to clean, energy-efficient technology for all Bay Area households.”

“The Air District Board’s vote today to support the implementation of Rule 9-6 is a watershed victory for healthy and safe communities, moving from our dependence on fossil fuels to a cleaner, greener source of energy,” said Leslie Alden, Executive Director of Act Now Bay Area. “The Air District staff, the experts, the working groups, and so many dedicated members representing the Bay Area worked tirelessly from 2023 show once again that the Bay Area leads the way.”