Regulators Reject Plan to Phase Out Gas Heaters in Southern California

On June 6, 2025, air-quality regulators in Southern California rejected a new set of rules that would have phased out gas-powered home and water heaters over the next decade. The proposed update to rules 1111 and 1121 was intended to encourage a gradual shift in appliance sales, moving from 30% electric by 2027 to 90% by 2036.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District, which covers the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino regions, voted 7-5 against the change. This decision came just a day after the Trump administration threatened to sue if the rules were approved. Additionally, the region's largest gas utility company, SoCalGas, had been running a misinformation campaign to prevent the rule change.

The rejected regulations were seen as a missed opportunity to significantly reduce air pollution and improve public health in an area with the nation's worst smog levels. Board member Holly J. Mitchell stated the rules could have "improved health, reduced medical expenses, and fulfilled our job of bringing our region into compliance with the Clean Air Act."

However, the fight for cleaner home appliances is not over. Environmental advocates hope other jurisdictions will continue to adopt policies that push the industry toward electrification and less pollution. But they acknowledge there is still work to be done to counter the types of misleading campaigns that derailed the Southern California regulations.