Gas appliance phase-out plan delayed in Coachella Valley as leaders seek more information

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)  A revised plan to phase out gas-powered home appliances across Southern California is on hold, after Coachella Valley leaders raised concerns about cost, infrastructure, and public awareness during a regional committee meeting Thursday.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is proposing amendments to two rules—1111 and 1121—that would reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by replacing gas water heaters and furnaces with cleaner electric alternatives, such as heat pumps. The agency says the move is focused on improving public health and air quality.

But members of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments' Energy and Sustainability Committee tabled the issue, asking for more data and community input before taking a formal position.

“I think it’s an important conversation to have,” said Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez during the meeting. “I don’t think it’s necessarily brutal. I think the questions are necessary to be asked and answered.”

The revised proposal no longer places the burden on individual homeowners. Instead, it would require appliance manufacturers to meet zero-emission sales targets and pay mitigation fees.

Still, Perez cautioned against moving forward too quickly.

“We have to stop, in my opinion, passing this type of legislation or policy or ordinance on behalf of others,” he said. “We don’t even know how they’re going to be impacted.”

Cathedral City Mayor Nancy Ross echoed those concerns.

“This has been a man-made problem for decades, and it’s not going to be solved in a day,” Ross said. “But we need to start having those powerful and serious conversations.”

No vote was taken at Thursday’s meeting. Even if approved by the committee, the proposal would need to go before CVAG’s Executive Committee for final consideration.

In the meantime, the AQMD says more than 80% of public comments it has received support the revised plan.

Any potential rule changes, however, remain months—if not years—away from becoming final.