Description
Appliances, including hot water heaters and furnaces, in homes and buildings are large users of natural gas, propane, and oil. Voluntary incentive programs have existed in Washington for many years, but they are not enough. Achieving King County GHG emission reduction targets requires further regulatory steps to ensure that fossil fuel appliances are phased out at their end of life.
Mirrored on a program in California, King County will convene partners to advocate for a state or regional zero-emission appliance standard that would phase in mandatory requirements for the sale of zero-emission space and water heating and cooking equipment. Manufacturers and retail sellers would be required to phase out sale of fossil fuel powered appliances. King County will advocate for measures that reduce the disproportionate burden of any incremental costs associated with zero-emission appliances on low-income households, affordable housing providers, and homeownership, such as first focusing on water heating appliances which are lower-cost to replace, or ensuring appliance replacement or electrical panel upgrade funding is provided for low-income homes. King County will produce an equity report prior to taking action. Once a standard is in place, King County will work with local jurisdictions and partners to educate consumers about pre-approved appliances for smooth implementation.