June 3, 2025
Hon. Vanessa Delgado, Chair
South Coast Air Quality Management District
21865 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
RE: OPPOSE – Proposed Amended Rules 1111 & 1121
Dear Chair Delgado and Governing Body Members,
On behalf of Inland Action, Inc, a non-profit, non-partisan corporation of public-spirited leaders who have joined together to be catalysts for the economic well-being of the Inland Empire region of California since 1962, we are very concerned about the proposed amendments to Rules 1111 and 1121.
Inland Action, Inc. has long advocated for efforts to clean our region’s air in practical and innovative ways. As some examples, we have long advocated for federal and state funding to address the Salton Sea, for enhanced Diesel Emissions Reduction Act funding at the federal level, and for innovative transit and rail initiatives such as the Brightline West high-speed rail and the Zero Emissions Multiple Unit (ZEMU) passenger rail projects. The proposed amendments to Rules 1111 and 1121 are not the answer.
The proposed amendments will place higher costs on both consumers and businesses. The rules effectively force consumers to “choose” considerably more expensive all-electric space and water heaters rather than natural gas appliances. While the approach to the amended rules has changed, the consequences are the same – more costs and less choice for consumers. The proposed amendments do not account for the substantial retrofit and infrastructure upgrade expenses that owners of some homes will have to bear to accommodate the new technology. These costs could amount to tens of thousands of dollars – which some consumers simply cannot afford. Families and businesses in our region are already struggling in the face of inflationary pressures; these rules will only exacerbate the problem.
While we understand and support SCAQMD’s efforts to improve air quality, the proposed amendments would impose an undue and significant burden on both residents and businesses in our region.
Inland Action is comprised of industry partners and professionals ready to engage and confer on plausible, attainable, and industry-vetted solutions – across sectors and for the benefit of all. Thank you for your time and consideration. We respectfully urge the Board to oppose Proposed Amended Rules 1111 and 1121 and explore alternative approaches that balance air quality improvements with economic feasibility for all residents.
Sincerely,
Julie B. Michaels
Executive Director
Sent via email to Peter Campbell at pcampbell@aqmd.gov