The Bay Area Air Quality Management District released a retooled draft of its ban on gas-powered hot water heaters, delaying implementation and adding exemptions for those to whom it would be a burden.
Originally scheduled to start Jan. 1, the ban was one of the most stringent regulations in the U.S. with the goal of phasing out gas water heaters and furnaces, both of which emit pollutants known as nitrogen oxides.
The ban affects nine counties touching the San Francisco Bay. While Vallejo and Benicia are affected, Vacaville is in a different air quality district…