As the Bay Area prepares to transition to cleaner space and water heating equipment, local governments, workforce leaders, and industry partners are working to answer a critical question: How can the region implement new appliance rules in a way that is effective, equitable, and practical?
To address that question, BayREN hosted a regional forum last month that focused on the Bay Area Air District's Rule 9-6 and the broader transition to zero-NOx space and water heating technologies. Designed for local government staff who will be on the front lines of compliance, permitting, and community education, the event explored what it will take to implement the rule effectively. Discussions emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, equitable support for residents and building owners, and practical tools that can help communities prepare for the transition.
The forum began with an overview of Rule 9-6 and the regulatory landscape driving cleaner heating technologies throughout California. Jennifer Lam from the Bay Area Air District previewed Rule 9-6's regulatory history, implementation considerations, and proposed exemptions intended to support equitable implementation. She also highlighted the public health benefits associated with reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from common household appliances. The discussion underscored the importance of balancing clean air goals with the realities faced by households and property owners who may encounter financial or logistical barriers during the transition.
Maggie Seay from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) provided additional context about the role that space and water heating equipment plays in California's air quality and climate goals. Seay also discussed CARB's ongoing regulatory efforts, including proposed limits on sales of new emitting equipment and compliance flexibility mechanisms that could help manufacturers transition to cleaner technologies. Together, Bay Area Rule 9-6 rules and statewide policies are being aligned to support cleaner heating solutions while maintaining flexibility during the market transition.
While appliance standards are established at the regional and state level, local governments will play a central role in helping residents, businesses, and contractors navigate the changes ahead. Nik Kaestner of the San Francisco Department of the Environment shared insights from the Sprint to 9-6 Working Group, a regional collaboration that creates a space for jurisdictions to share lessons learned and coordinate strategies in order to help build a more consistent regional approach to implementation. Participants have explored ways to increase public awareness, expand support for communities, and develop policy approaches that make compliance easier while maintaining the rule's health and environmental objectives.
A successful transition will also depend on a skilled workforce that is prepared to install, service, and maintain emerging technologies. Presenters including Javier Montalbo from MCE and TTriss Williams Renard from Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC) highlighted ongoing training opportunities available through BayREN and partner organizations, along with efforts underway to expand contractor capacity throughout the region. BayREN's new Heat Pump Water Heater Contractor Mentorship Program, supported by ECC, was spotlighted. This program connects experienced professionals with contractors seeking hands-on guidance and technical support. Programs like these are helping build confidence in newer technologies while creating opportunities for workforce development across the Bay Area.
In addition to workforce training, attendees learned about practical implementation tools designed to streamline adoption. These included permitting simplification efforts developed through pilot programs in San Mateo County, which aim to reduce administrative barriers, improve consistency across jurisdictions, and support faster deployment of clean heating equipment. As communities prepare for increased heat pump water heater (HPWH) installations, permitting processes will play an important role in reducing barriers to HPWH adoption while maintaining safety and code compliance.
One of the clearest takeaways from the forum was that no single agency or organization can deliver this transition alone. From regulators developing appliance standards, to local governments supporting residents, to contractors installing new equipment, each stakeholder has a role to play in ensuring the transition is successful. BayREN's role as a regional convener helps create space for these conversations, bringing together diverse partners to share lessons learned, coordinate strategies, and identify solutions to common challenges.
As Rule 9-6 moves closer to implementation, continued collaboration will be essential to achieving cleaner air, healthier communities, and a transition that is effective, equitable, and practical for residents, contractors, and local governments alike.
To stay up to date with BayREN forums, check out the events and training page, that is constantly being refreshed with new content.