• Adopt a statewide zero-emission heating equipment standard that sets allowable pollution limits for space and water heating equipment in residential and small commercial buildings. A statewide standard would phase out the sale and installation of high-emitting appliances, including gas furnaces and water heaters, by establishing thresholds based on nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
• This approach aligns Washington with emerging standards in other states, like California and Maryland. A Washington standard could accelerate the adoption of highly efficient appliances that do not generate harmful air pollution in homes and buildings.

A zero-emission heating equipment standard is a powerful policy to reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution by minimizing NOx and PM 2.5 exposure, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and accelerating the market shift toward zero-emission and clean technologies. It complements the energy code and building performance standards and also fortifies the regulatory paths for residential and small commercial buildings that currently lack strong mandates. Creating a clear, statewide transition timeline gives manufacturers, distributors, and contractors market certainty, which in turn enables economies of scale for clean appliances, smoother supply chain adjustments, and can improve installation practices. As opposed to a patchwork of local rules, this standard for Washington would ensure a uniform pathway for clean heating across all regions of the state.

Compliant appliances must be affordable and widely available, with financial assistance for overburdened communities and vulnerable populations and small businesses. Where electrification increases bills, the impact must be addressed through electric rate design and incentives. Owners should not be able to pass costs to tenants. Dedicated funding must be available for health, safety, or electrical readiness upgrades needed before installing zero-emission heating equipment. All these elements should be in place to ensure that all households and businesses can benefit from the health and comfort improvements of compliant appliances.

2027:

• Legislative Path: The Washington State Legislature directs the development of a statewide zero-emission heating equipment standard and establishes statutory authority for the Department of Commerce or the Department of Ecology to implement the rule.

OR

• Administrative Path: The Department of Ecology initiates rulemaking under existing authority from Washington’s Clean Air Act, coordinating with the Department of Commerce on market transition planning.

2028:

• The Department of Ecology and/or the Department of Commerce begin scoping the standard, including appliance categories, building types, emissions thresholds, and allowable compliance pathways.

2029

• A proposed rule is released for public comment. Engagement brings in feedback and review from manufacturers, distributors, contractors, consumer advocates, building owners and occupants, and utilities.

2030:

• A final statewide standard is adopted, and compliance guidelines are sent to manufacturers and distributors.
• The Department of Commerce and that the Department of Ecology develop contractor training, early-adoption incentives, and work with utilities to align incentives with the standard.

2033-2035:

• Compliance begins in phases, with sales and installations of new fossil fuel appliances phased out on a schedule.
• Full compliance for all covered appliances begins ~2035.