Public Engagement for the Development of Clean Space and Water Heater Standards
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Clean space and water heater standards are expected to result in substantial climate change, air quality, and health benefits.
A strong public engagement process lays the foundation for clear two-way communication between CARB staff and the public about the potential impacts of new standards. This process includes and exceeds formal public noticing and comment requirements specified by the California Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The public process for potential clean space and water heater standards kicked off with a workshop in May 2023, where staff presented a general timeline, analysis areas, and discussed guiding values for the standards development process. Following this workshop, California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State) launched a third-party interview-based assessment of interested parties’ perspectives on an engagement process for developing clean space and water heater standards. Sacramento State delivered their Assessment Report in October 2023.
CARB staff reviewed this report and considered their knowledge gaps and needs for public consultation, involvement, and collaboration during the standards development and potential implementation process. The Outreach and Engagement Strategy and Plan for the Development of Zero-Emission Space and Water Heater Standards (Engagement Plan) contains a comprehensive discussion of the standard regulatory process and APA and CEQA public noticing and commenting requirements. It also discusses the additional, informal engagement opportunities led by CARB staff and Sacramento State starting in 2024, to meet some of the public needs highlighted by the early engagement efforts. Should the Board approve a staff proposal to create clean space and water heater standards, this engagement work will be an initial step in a multi-year process to thoughtfully plan for implementing future standards before they come into effect.
Read Sacramento State's Public Engagement Assessment Report.
Read CARB’s Outreach and Engagement Strategy and Plan.
Read CARB's 2024 Public Engagement and Outreach Update.
Public Expert Solicitation
CARB staff invited individuals and organizations with expertise in high-priority topic areas and across California regions to help inform the staff analysis and implementation planning for potential clean space and water heater standards.
Learn More about Public Expert Solicitation on Public Expert Solicitation Page
Listening Sessions
In 2024, CARB staff and community organization co-hosts held a series of in-person and virtual listening sessions throughout California to proactively share information, hear public thoughts, and identify potential solutions. In particular, we wanted to hear back about:
- Needs in rural areas, especially those experiencing temperature extremes.
- Potential housing impacts from a transition to zero-emission space and water heating, and ways to minimize risks to tenants of increased rental cost or displacement.
- Energy cost implications and strategies for maintaining energy affordability.
- Access to knowledgeable contractors and high-quality jobs.
Public Expert Solicitation
CARB staff invite individuals and organizations possessing expertise in high-priority topic areas and across California regions to help inform the staff analysis and implementation planning for potential clean space and water heater standards. Applicants for voluntary public experts are being accepted on a rolling basis.