"These are real, tangible improvements to health and climate outcomes that communities urgently need." - Serena Pelka, Climate Action Campaign Policy Advocate
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) recently passed an important rule amendment to transform how we heat our homes. This updated regulation now requires the sale and installation of ultra-low-NOx furnaces in all buildings, paving the way for cleaner air and healthier communities.
What are ultra low-NOx furnaces? They are furnaces that run with higher efficiency and drastically less pollution, significantly reducing emissions.
For decades, traditional gas appliances have been a hidden hazard in our homes. They release nitrogen oxides (NOx), toxic pollutants that compromise indoor and outdoor air quality and put public health at risk. Vulnerable communities—those hit first and worst by the climate crisis—bear the brunt of these impacts.
But this rule marks a transition to a brighter future. By slashing NOx emissions, it promises:
Improved Public Health: Cleaner air means fewer asthma attacks, respiratory illnesses, and emergency room visits. The amendment will reduce NOx emissions by 4.5 tons in the Portside & International Border communities!
Saved Lives and Money: The rule is projected to contribute $13.1 million annually to the economy through avoided healthcare costs and increased productivity. That means more resources are going into building stronger, more resilient communities.
A Climate-Safe Future: Ultra-low-NOx furnaces are a major step toward phasing out polluting fossil fuels and embracing a clean energy future.
This isn’t just a policy update—it’s cleaner air for your family, healthier homes, and resilient communities against climate change.
Gas appliances have long been the norm but are outdated, inefficient, and dangerous. It’s time to embrace cleaner alternatives that put people and the planet first, not fossil fuel profits. This is a step in the right direction towards electrification.
Let’s celebrate this win as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we unite behind a common goal: a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future for ALL.