Bay Area Air Board Hears Marathon Testimony on Zero-NOx Water Heater Rule, Delays Action

After more than 100 members of the public weighed in on the future of gas water heaters in the Bay Area, the BAAQMD Board of Directors ran out of quorum and pushed deliberation on its landmark Rule 9-6 to May 13. The board did clear a packed consent calendar — including contested executive raises and a Pride Parade sponsorship — and took a legislative stance on a major environmental justice bill.

• Zero-NOx water heater rule draws 100+ commenters; board defers deliberation to May 13 as quorum slips away

• Staff proposes exemptions for 38% of Bay Area properties from the 2027 water heater mandate, citing affordability and installation barriers

• Six former BAAQMD chairs jointly urge the board to hold the line on zero-NOx rules, calling it the greatest single health action of their tenures

• Board unanimously adopts "oppose unless amended" position on SB 1075 after AB 617 community leader pushes for full support

• Consent calendar clears with 5% General Counsel raise to $416,720 and a $45,000 Pride Parade sponsorship, over public objections

Rule 9-6, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's first-in-the-nation standard requiring zero-NOx water heaters upon replacement starting January 2027, consumed nearly four hours of the board's May 6 meeting — and still didn't get to a vote.