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DREAM EXTREME
December 13, 2024
South Coast Air Quality Management District
21865 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Re: Opposition to Amendments to Rules 1111 and 1121 Banning Natural Gas as an Energy Option
Dear Coalition Members,
On behalf of the Lake Elsinore City Council, I am writing to express our opposition to the proposed
amendments to Rules 1111 and 1121, which would effectively ban natural gas as an energy option.
While we recognize and appreciate California's ambitious efforts to combat climate change,
including initiatives similar to Senate Bill 100 (2018), removing natural gas from the energy mix is
neither practical nor sustainable at this time. Such a policy would have far-reaching consequences,
including significantly higher electricity costs for residents and businesses across the state.
The proposed requirement to replace old furnaces and water heaters exclusively with zero -
emission alternatives by 2030 presents significant challenges. Natural gas remains a critical
component of California's energy landscape, with consumption far exceeding that of other energy
resources and renewables. Mandating such a shift would impose undue financial burdens on
homeowners and businesses, particularly during emergency repairs to restore essential services
like hot water or heating.
Even with proposed incentives, the funding caps would leave a substantial gap between the
actual costs and available assistance, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations,
including seniors, low-income families, and small businesses.
In Lake Elsinore, where approximately 11 % of our population lives below the poverty line, these
policies could result in many residents going without hot water or adequate heating and cooling,
particularly during extreme weather conditions. This would seriously harm their quality of life,
health, and safety. Moreover, the limited funding for end-user incentives, supply chain issues,
and delays in electric equipment availability present further challenges. We also note that the
Southern California Gas Company, a leading provider of natural gas in the state, actively supports
California's efforts to meet federal air quality standards, decarbonization goals, and net -zero
targets.
951.674.3124
130 S. MAIN STREET
LAKE ELSINORE, CA 92530
W W W.LAKE-ELSINORLORG
SCAQMD -2- December 13, 2024
They are working on innovative solutions to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy to
residents and businesses. In light of these concerns, we urge you to reconsider the amendments to
Rules 1111 and 1121. Policies that force an abrupt transition away from natural gas without
addressing the associated costs, infrastructure challenges, and equity impacts will create
significant hardships for our community and beyond. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
4�
Brian Tisdale, Mayor
City of Lake Elsinore
cc: Bob McGee, Mayor Pro Tem
Natasha Johnson, Council Member
Timothy J. Sheridan, Council Member
Jason Simpson, City Manager
Barbara Leibold, City Attorney
951.674.3124
130 S. MAIN STREET
LAKE ELSINORE, CA 92530
WWW LAKE-ELSINORE.ORG