Bay Area regulators split over first-of-its-kind gas water heater ban

A rule prohibiting the sale and installation of residential gas-powered water heaters in the Bay Area of California beginning in 2027 is becoming increasingly controversial. 

What’s happening: Aimed at reducing emissions and improving air quality, the Bay Area Air District (BAAD) passed the regulation — a first-of-its-kind in the U.S. — in 2023 with support from all but one person on its 24-member board. 

• Since then, business groups and some BAAD representatives have raised affordability concerns, with eight board members calling for the rule to be suspended entirely during a May 13, 2026, meeting. 
• Yes, but: They were slightly outnumbered by 10 board members who support the rule but proposed amendments, including delaying the start date from January to October 2027 and exemptions for 38 percent of the area’s households. 

Why it matters: The rule stands to affect about eight million residents.

• What they’re saying: BAAD board member Gabe Quinto said that “most Californians will not be able to afford this,” the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

The other side: Environmental groups and public health advocates say the rule would save residents $890 million in health care costs annually.

• “If you ask any family if they would prefer to be slowly poisoned and have their health and the health of their children be negatively impacted over the risk of maybe a slight cost increase, it’s kind of a no-brainer,” said Noelia Corzo, another board member.

What’s next: While the May 13 meeting didn’t culminate in a vote, the BAAD board is expected to finalize changes to the rule this October.