The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has recently announced plans to eventually ban the sale of natural gas furnaces and water heaters. The amendments adopted by the agency require the appliances to be zero-emission, which effectively permits only electric furnaces and water heaters.
According to CBS News, the agency cited pollution concerns as the reason for phasing out natural gas appliances, which are estimated to account for a significant amount of nitrogen oxide pollution and particulate matter formation. The agency also claims exposure to these pollutants can lead to various health impacts, including respiratory issues, neurological disease, heart attack, stroke, lung cancer, and premature death.
The new regulation would only apply to new water heaters and furnaces and would not require the immediate replacement of existing appliances. However, the rule does not apply to cooking appliances such as gas stoves, which have become a flashpoint in recent months.
