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17 (03)You don't often get email from david@climateactioncampaign.org. Learn why this is important Date:4/7/2025 3:48:59 PM From:"David Martinez" david@climateactioncampaign.org To:"Public Comment" publiccomment@anaheim.net Cc: "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheim.net, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurtz@anahe im.ne t, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheim.net, "Carlos A. Leon" CLeon@anaheim.net, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheim.net, "Kristen Maahs" KMaahs@anaheim.net, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheim.net Subject:[EXTERNAL] OPPOSE Item 17 - SCAQMD Resolution Attachment:OPPOSE Item 17.pdf; Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachme nts unle ss you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Hello, Please find attached Climate Action Campaign's letter opposing Item 17. Best, David Martinez OC Climate Equity Advocate and Organizer Climate Action Campaign (619) 419-1222 ext. 708 Like what we do? Support Climate Action Campaign today. Our mission is simple: create a zero carbon future through effective and equitable policy action 7 April 2025 Members of the Anaheim City Council 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA via Email SUBJECT: Oppose Agenda Item 17 – Support Clean Air and Public Health Dear Members of the Anaheim City Council, On behalf of Climate Action Campaign, we urge you to oppose Agenda Item 17, a resolution that would formalize Anaheim’s opposition to South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Proposed Amended Rules 1111 and 1121. These rules are essential to protecting public health and advancing clean air goals across Orange County by reducing harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from gas appliances like furnaces and water heaters. Electrifying these appliances with clean, high-efficiency alternatives is a critical step toward addressing the region’s severe air pollution crisis. According to the American Lung Association, Orange County ranks first in the nation for high ozone days among 228 metropolitan areas. Ozone pollution, which forms when NOx mixes with volatile organic compounds in sunlight, is directly linked to asthma, lung cancer, heart disease, and other serious health issues. In Orange County alone, it contributes to 76,000 asthma attacks, 130 premature deaths, and $2 billion in health-related costs every year. Contrary to what the resolution implies, SCAQMD’s updated proposal does not ban gas appliances or force residents to replace them. The proposed rules target manufacturers, not homeowners, and allow for a gradual, market-based transition that preserves consumer choice while phasing in cleaner technologies. Moreover, there are significant financial incentives available to make this transition affordable. The federal High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) provides $4,000 to $8,000 in rebates, and the Go Zero program from SCAQMD offers an additional $1,500 for clean water heaters and heat pumps. These incentives help ensure that low- and moderate-income residents can benefit from healthier homes without added financial strain. Additionally, the Socioeconomic Impact Assessment prepared by SCAQMD on the proposed rules found that there would be millions of dollars in savings annually from lower energy bills. This resolution undermines a policy that has been revised to address economic concerns and is now more equitable and flexible than ever. Instead of opposing sensible air quality improvements, Anaheim should be leading the way toward a cleaner, healthier future—especially for communities already burdened by pollution and health disparities. We respectfully urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 17. Let’s prioritize clean air, public health, and energy equity for all Anaheim residents. Sincerely, David Martinez Orange County Climate Equity Advocate and Organizer Climate Action Campaign