The South Coast Air Quality District (SCAQMD) is a regional air pollution control agency representing Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties with responsibility for regulating stationary sources of air pollution.  SCAQMD is considering two rules that would have a significant impact on Chino Hills' homeowners, renters and businesses: Rule 1111 would regulate air emissions from gas-powered central furnaces; and Rule 1121 would regulate air emissions from residential-type, natural gas-powered commercial space and water heater appliances.

While the City shares SCAQMD’s commitment to improving air quality, these rules pose significant challenges and unintended consequences for our community.  The proposed rules impose prohibitively high replacement costs for appliances per unit when factoring in necessary electrical panel upgrades. These expenses are especially burdensome for lower-income households and small businesses already struggling with significant financial pressures. Although incentive programs like Go Zero provide some relief, they are rebate-based, requiring low-income households to cover the unreasonable upfront costs before reimbursement. Furthermore, with future funding for such incentives being limited and uncertain, the financial strain on affected households and businesses becomes a lasting issue.

These requirements risk deepening existing economic inequities within our community, leaving those most vulnerable to bear a disproportionate burden.  Transitioning to electric appliances will increase electricity demand, potentially straining the energy grid and leading to higher utility costs for residents and businesses. Without adequate financial assistance or incentives, compliance with these requirements will be unattainable for many, creating further disparities.
 

This proposed action is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA") and CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.), because it does not involve any commitment to a specific project which could result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment; and, constitutes an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. Accordingly, this action does not constitute a "project" that requires environmental review (see specifically 14 CCR § 15378(b)(4-5)).