HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 22 - Resolution Opposing the South Coast Air Quality Management District City Manager’s Office
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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
Page 2
5
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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
Resolution No. 2025-XXX
Page 1 of 2
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX
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
WHEREAS, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast
AQMD) proposed amendments that were voted on during their June 6, 2025, Governing
Board Meeting, to Rules 1111 and 1121 to phase out natural gas-powered furnaces and
water heaters, requiring a costly transition to zero-emission electric alternatives; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana supports air quality improvements but is
concerned that the proposed amendments could have imposed severe financial
burdens on working families, renters, seniors, and small businesses, worsening the
housing affordability crisis and threatening energy reliability; and
WHEREAS, the proposed rules were projected to generate billions in costs with
limited public outreach and participation, as only 0.1% of the South Coast region’s
population engaged in the process, and the expected environmental benefit is modest
relative to the significant social and economic impacts; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana believes any transition to cleaner technologies
must be equitable, affordable, and supported by strong community engagement and
infrastructure readiness.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Santa
Ana hereby reaffirms its opposition to South Coast AQMD’s proposed amendments to
Rules 1111 and 1121, and while we are aware that the Governing Board voted on
Friday, June 6, 2025, to indefinitely postpone the proposed amendments, we urge the
Governing Board to reject any new proposals related to Rules 1111 and 1121 without
meaningful participation and adequate engagement with the general public and local
government agencies,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Santa Ana encourages the South
Coast AQMD to work collaboratively with local governments, housing advocates,
utilities, and community stakeholders to develop cost-effective, incentive-based, and
equitable alternatives that advance air quality goals without jeopardizing housing
affordability, energy reliability, or economic stability.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of
this Resolution and forward copies to the South Coast AQMD Governing Board and
appropriate state representatives.
Resolution No. 2025-XXX
Page 2 of 2
ADOPTED this _____ day of ____________, 2025.
________________________________
Valerie Amezcua
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney
By:
AYES: Councilmembers
NOES: Councilmembers
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers
NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers _
CERTIFICATION OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, Jennifer L. Hall, City Clerk, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution No.
2025-XXX to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa
Ana on _______________.
Date: ______________________ ________________________________
City Clerk
City of Santa Ana