California Air Resources Board

Zero-emission standards for new space and water heaters are in alignment with the 2022 Scoping Plan for Achieving Carbon Neutrality (2022 Scoping Plan) as they would reduce building-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These standards would also assist California with meeting State and federal air quality standards and achieving public health benefits, because they would also provide important smog-forming NOx emission reductions.  CARB committed to explore developing and proposing zero-emission GHG standards for new space and water heaters sold in California as part of the 2022 State Strategy for the State Implementation Plan (2022 State SIP Strategy) adopted in September 2022.

CARB staff plans to design this standard in close collaboration with energy agencies and other public agencies to ensure it is consistent with all state and local efforts. Staff plans to also work closely with communities throughout the process to prioritize equity and consider housing cost and affordability impacts, recognizing that reducing emissions from space and water heaters can generate cost-savings and health benefits.