Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) is alerting Inland Empire residents to a proposed mandate from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) that could drive up housing and energy costs for families, renters, and small businesses across the region.
The proposed amendments to Rules 1111 and 1121 would phase out natural gas furnaces and water heaters in favor of all-electric units starting in 2026. These changes would apply to Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties—potentially affecting millions.
“This is the wrong move at the most inopportune time,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “Californians are already struggling with the highest cost of living in the country. This proposal would force families to pay tens of thousands of dollars to retrofit their homes—or face steep penalties just to keep their existing appliances.”
If your furnace or water heater breaks down after the rule takes effect, you’ll be faced with a costly decision. To continue using natural gas, you would have to pay a regulatory fee of $1,510 per appliance just to install a new gas unit, if it’s still allowed. Otherwise, you’ll be required to switch to an electric unit, which could trigger major retrofit expenses. A recent analysis by the Cost of Living Council estimates those upgrades could cost up to $47,000 for a single- family home and $40,100 for a multi-family rental unit. These expenses don’t include the added burden on electrical infrastructure, permits, or lost time. And over time, future updates to the rule could eliminate the gas replacement option entirely, leaving electric conversion as the only path forward.
A public hearing on the rule changes is scheduled for 9 a.m. on June 6 in Diamond Bar. Residents can attend in person or virtually and submit public comments online.
“I urge every resident to speak up,” Ochoa Bogh added. “This is your home, your budget, and your voice matters.”
To learn more and submit public comments, visit:
Submit comment letters here by scrolling to the bottom of the page
- Cost of Living Council