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SUSTAINABILITY - ACTION ITEM - Presentation by Sierra Club Regarding Resolution to Support Changes to South Coast Air Quality Management District Regulations 1146 and 14146.1.
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Meeting Date: January 8, 2026
Contact Person: Alicia Ide, Sr Management Analyst, Public Works Department
Phone: (310) 253-5618
Attachments: Yes [X] No [ ]
Fiscal Impact: Yes [ ] No [X] General Fund: Yes [ ] No [X]
Public Notification: Email via GovDelivery (01/06/2026): Meetings and Agendas - Sustainability Subcommittee, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission; Stay Informed - Community Gardening, Sustainability and Environmental Issues, Urban Forest Management, Environmental Programs and Events
Department Approval: Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director/City Engineer
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RECOMMENDATION
Receive a presentation by the Sierra Club regarding a request to pass a resolution in support of proposed changes to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (“South Coast AQMD” and “SCAQMD”) Rules 1146 and 1146.1, which will phase out nitrogen oxides (“Nox”) emissions from for medium and large gas-fired boilers and water heaters. The Subcommittee can discuss, advise staff, and potentially recommend a resolution be submitted to the City Council for consideration.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The mission of the Sierra Club is to:
• Explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth;
• Practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources; and
• Educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.
Sierra Club representatives are advocating in support of proposed SCAQMD rule changes. Their presentation includes a proposed draft resolution for City Council consideration. (See attachment CC-Draft Resolution-SCAQMD-Rules 1146-1146.1) The Sierra Club has also included support materials. (See American Lung Association Clean Heat Clean Air Report, Industrial Boilers 101 Factsheet, Sierra Club Embracing Clean Heat Report)
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (“South Coast AQMD” and “SCAQMD”) is the lead agency for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). SCAQMD is in the process of updating Rules 1146 and 1146.1, which will phase out nitrogen oxides (“Nox”) emissions from for medium and large gas-fired boilers and water heaters.
The SCAQMD Rules can be found online.
• Rule 1146: Emissions of Oxides of Nitrogen from Industrial, Institutional and Commercial Boilers, Steam Generators, and Process Heaters
(Last Amended December 4, 2020)
• Rule 1146.1: Emissions of Oxides of Nitrogen from Small Industrial, Institutional, and Commercial Boilers, Steam Generators, and Process Heaters
(Last Amended December 7, 2018)
South Coast AQMD Rule Book <https://www.aqmd.gov/home/rules-compliance/rules/scaqmd-rule-book>
<https://www.aqmd.gov/home/rules-compliance/rules/scaqmd-rule-book>
The draft resolution proposed by the Sierra Club for Culver City includes three actions:
1. Calls on all industrial operators within city limits to replace polluting industrial boilers and other heating equipment with zero-emissions alternatives without delay, as soon as technically and economically feasible;
2. Urges the South Coast Air Quality Management District, including through amending rules 1146 and 1146.1, the California Energy Commission, California Air Resources Board, and the California Public Utilities Commission to provide strong regulatory, financial, and technical support to advance adoption of zero-emissions technologies and accelerate the decarbonization of industrial systems, with priority for facilities located in communities most impacted by poor air quality; and
3. Commits to integrating air quality, health equity, and environmental justice into all industrial permitting, planning, and economic development decisions, in order to protect public health and ensure safe, breathable air for all residents.
The Subcommittee can choose to recommend support for a resolution that includes some or all of these actions, as presented or as amended, be submitted to City Council for consideration.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the City at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
• 2026-01-08-ATT-Sustainbility-Mtg-CC-Draft Resolution-SCAQMD-Rules 1146-1146.1
• 2026-01-08-ATT-Sustainability-Mtg-AmericanLungAssoc-Clean Heat Clean Air Report
• 2026-01-08-ATT-Sustainability-Mtg-Industrial Boilers 101 Factsheet
• 2026-01-08-ATT-Sustainability-Mtg-SierraClub-Embracing Clean Heat