Item 22 - Resolution Opposing the South Coast Air Quality Management District

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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.