Co-hosted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and SPUR

During this listening session, California Air Resources Board (CARB) Staff wish to proactively share information, hear public thoughts, and identify ways to effectively manage a potential transition to zero-emission space and water heaters. Your feedback and perspectives will help CARB staff design a regulation to maximize benefits from improved air quality and reduced climate emissions, while making indoor environments more comfortable, especially during extreme weather.

Some key issues for discussion, include:

• Potential housing impacts from a transition to zero-emission space and water heating, and ways to minimize risks to tenants of increased rental cost or displacement.
• Energy cost implications and strategies for maintaining energy affordability.
• Access to knowledgeable contractors and high-quality jobs.

Listening Session Agenda:

• Presentation on a heat pump installation project at an SF affordable housing site
• Presentation from CARB staff on the current status of the regulatory proposal
• Breakout groups for feedback on the proposal

Please RSVP by September 10, 2024, and please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by this date if you would like to join the event but will require an interpreter.

Background:

In March 2023, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) adopted zero-NOx emission rules for space and water heaters. SPUR played a critical role in the adoption of these new rules and has worked with partners to support the Air District on market readiness, affordability, equity, technical solutions, tenant protections, permitting solutions, and more. A suite of new SPUR publications (Closing the Affordability Gap Report, Solving the Panel Puzzle, and Toolbox for Transitioning to Fossil-Free Heat) are providing impactful recommendations for state, regional, and local policymakers during a critical implementation period for the Air District’s zero-NOx rules. Now, SPUR looks forward to hosting this listening session with CARB to gather feedback as CARB develops zero-emissions rules for all of California.

CARB’s proposed standards seek to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and smog-forming nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from new space and water heaters sold in the state to help meet California’s climate goals and federal air quality standards. This potential regulation would not limit the use or repair of existing non-zero-emission space or water heaters.