About half of the Bay Area’s households could soon qualify for exemptions from a rule phasing out new gas water heaters. A one-year delay to the regulation will also push back pollution reductions meant to protect residents’ health.
Here’s what to know
Financial hardships and installation challenges are the basis for newly approved exemptions. The Bay Area Air District approved the one-year delay, moving the rule’s start date from January 2027 to January 2028, according to KQED.
Once the rule takes effect, newly purchased water heaters will need to be zero-emission models like heat pumps. Residents can continue using and repairing functioning gas units.
A separate measure targets new gas furnaces in 2029. Both regulations received district approval in 2023…