VCAPCD News

Public can comment on proposal to require ultra-low NOx replacements

The Air Pollution Control Board will hold a public hearing on a VCAPCD proposal to require new and replacement natural gas furnaces for residences and small businesses meet a lower emission limit for oxides of nitrogen (NOx) at its meeting on Tuesday, June 9.

The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Ventura County Board of Supervisors Hearing Room in the Hall of Administration at 800 S. Victoria Ave. in Ventura and livestreamed. The public can provide written comments on the proposal in advance or speak during the meeting in person or remotely.

The amendment to VCAPCD Rule 74.22 would lower the NOx emission limit to 14 nanograms per joule of heat output (14 ng/J).

NOx is a harmful air pollutant that produces smog, or ground-level ozone, and fine particulate matter, both known to cause various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The proposed rule amendment will reduce NOx emissions from furnaces by 104 tons per year, providing cleaner and healthier air in homes and small businesses in Ventura County.

The requirement for ultra-low NOx (14 ng/J) furnaces would only apply to those sold or installed after Dec. 9, 2026, so people can continue to use their existing furnaces as long as necessary.

The cost of upgrading to an ultra-low NOx furnace is about $550. VCAPCD plans to launch an incentive program to offset the cost, particularly for those in disadvantaged or low-income communities.

For more details on the proposed amendment, visit the Rule 74.22 Development page. Public comments can be submitted on the page through June 8. The meeting agenda, supporting documents, livestream link and instructions for providing public comments directly to the board will be available on the Air Pollution Control Board Meetings webpage at least 72 hours prior.

For more information, contact Do Young Maeng at doyoung@vcapcd.org or 805-303-3662.