The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) Governing Board has approved updates to Rule 1146.2 that will require new and existing buildings to transition to zero-emission residential and commercial building water heaters. This is the first time that natural gas-fired pool heaters, larger water heaters, small commercial water heaters, boilers, and process heaters must meet a zero-emission nitrogen oxides (NOx) standard when replaced. For new buildings, the rule aligns with building standards that currently require zero-emission units. The rule is part of South Coast AQMD’s 2022 Air Quality Management Plan that lays a path for improving air quality and meeting federal air pollution standards by 2037 for the South Coast Air Basin and Coachella Valley.