City Manager’s Office
www.santa-ana.org/cm
Item # 22
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
June 17, 2025
TOPIC: Opposition to South Coast AQMD Proposed Amendments to Rules 1111 and 1121
AGENDA TITLE
Resolution Opposing the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Proposed Amendments to Rules 1111 and 1121
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt a resolution opposing the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (South Coast AQMD) proposed amendments to Rules 1111 and 1121, and urging the South Coast AQMD Governing Board to reject any future proposals that lack meaningful public participation and adequate engagement with local government agencies.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SANTA ANA OPPOSING THE SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT’S PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO RULES 1111 AND 1121 GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
On June 6, 2025, the South Coast AQMD Governing Board considered amendments to Rules 1111 and 1121 that would phase out natural gas-powered furnaces and residential water heaters in favor of zero-emission electric alternatives. While the City of Santa Ana supports initiatives that improve air quality, the proposed amendments raised significant concerns regarding housing affordability, energy reliability, and the limited level of public participation.
The proposed changes were estimated to impose billions of dollars in costs on homeowners, renters, and businesses throughout the South Coast region, potentially exacerbating the existing housing affordability crisis. Additionally, the widespread transition to electric appliances would further strain California’s already fragile electrical grid.
Opposition to South Coast AQMD Proposed Amendments to Rules 1111 and 1121 June 17, 2025
5 1
2 0
The City is particularly concerned that public engagement on this issue was insufficient, as only approximately 17,000 stakeholders were engaged out of a service population of roughly 17 million residents, representing only 0.1% of those impacted. Such low engagement is not sufficient for sweeping regulatory changes with significant regional impact.
While South Coast AQMD has indefinitely postponed the proposed amendments, the City of Santa Ana recommends reaffirming its opposition and formally urging the South Coast AQMD to reject any similar future proposals unless they are developed in meaningful collaboration with local governments, housing advocates, utilities, and community stakeholders.
The proposed resolution encourages the South Coast AQMD to pursue alternative strategies that are cost-effective, incentive-based, and equitable, to balance environmental goals with the urgent need to preserve housing affordability and community stability.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Resolution Opposing the South Coast AQMD Proposed Amendments to Rules 1111 and 1121
Submitted By: Sylvia Vazquez, Deputy City Manager
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager