California Air Resources Board

California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff are developing statewide zero greenhouse gas emission standards for space and water heaters. These standards seek to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and smog-forming nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from new space and water heaters sold in the state to help meet California’s climate goals and federal air quality standards. This potential regulation would not limit the use or repair of existing non-zero-emission space or water heaters.  

With the support of community co-hosts, CARB staff are holding several listening sessions throughout California, to share information about this potential regulation and hear from the public across various regions in the state.  

CARB’s Outreach and Engagement Plan for the Development of Zero-Emission Space and Water Heater Standards includes two kinds of meetings: (1) public workshops, which are broadly noticed, formal public meetings for presenting new information about the regulation and providing opportunities for public feedback, and (2) informal meetings (such as listening sessions), which recap information already shared, provide additional local context, and make space for dialogue.

At regional listening sessions, CARB staff wish to proactively share information, hear public thoughts, and identify potential solutions. Some key issues they are examining, and wish to hear from the public about, include:  

• 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. 

Your feedback and perspectives can help CARB staff design a regulation to maximize benefits from improved air quality and reduced climate emissions, while making indoor environments more comfortable. 

The current schedule is posted below and will be updated regularly with registration links: 

1. Santa Ana/Orange County: August 22, 6 – 7:30 p.m (Virtual only with Climate Action Campaign), 

   • English Presentation Recording: https://youtu.be/tzDcoLXIppI

   • Spanish Presentation Recording: https://youtu.be/LTiUEe7NZpk

2. Nevada City: September 9, 5:30 – 7 p.m., in-person listening session with Sierra Energy Reimagined

   • Location: Madelyn Helling Library. Register

3. Tulare County: September 18, 5 – 6:30 p.m., in-person listening session with Allensworth Progressive Association

   • Location: Allensworth Elementary School, 3320 Young Road, Allensworth, CA 93219. Register

4. San Francisco: September 24, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m., in-person listening session with SPUR

   • Location: SPUR Urban Center. Register

5. Nevada County: September 26, 5:30 – 7 p.m., in-person listening session with Sierra Energy Reimagined 

   • Location: North Columbia Schoolhouse. Register

6. Contra Costa County: October 1, 11:00 - 2:00 p.m., in-person listening session with Construction Trades Workforce Initiative 

   • Location: UA Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 342 Apprenticeship Training Facility. Register

7. San Diego: October 9, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., in-person listening session with Climate Action Campaign. Register 

   • Location: Lincoln Acres County Library. Register

8. San Mateo County: October 23, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., in-person listening session with Climate Resilient Communities 

   • Location: Pal Center. Register

9. Southern California: October 22, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., virtual only. Register

10. Central California: October 28, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., virtual only. Register

11. Northern California: October 29, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., virtual only. Register