Petition is addressed to: South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)

We, the undersigned members of Orange County REALTORS®, strongly oppose the proposed amendments to SCAQMD Rule 1146.2 for the following reasons:

WHEREAS, the proposed amendments would impose significant financial burdens on homeowners and property owners by requiring costly replacement of existing gas-fired appliances with expensive low-emission alternatives; and

WHEREAS, these regulatory changes would disproportionately impact first-time home buyers and low- to moderate-income homeowners by increasing the cost of homeownership and maintenance; and

WHEREAS, the increased costs associated with compliance could reduce property values, making it more difficult for homeowners to sell their properties at fair market prices; and

WHEREAS, the proposed amendments limit consumer choice in home energy systems and may force homeowners to rely on more expensive or less efficient energy sources; and

WHEREAS, the real estate industry, already facing challenges with affordability and housing supply, would be further strained by these regulations, potentially slowing market activity and reducing housing accessibility; and

WHEREAS, the proposed rule changes fail to adequately consider alternative solutions that balance environmental goals with economic realities for homeowners and home buyers.

Therefore, we, the undersigned members of Orange County REALTORS®, urge SCAQMD to reconsider the proposed amendments to Rule 1146.2 and explore alternative approaches that protect air quality without unduly burdening homeowners and the housing market.