NAHB, Other Groups File Suit Against Southern California Gas Bans
NAHB and nine other business and housing groups seeking to overturn a regulation that would ban gas appliances have filed a lawsuit against Southern California air regulators.
In their complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the groups contended that South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) regulation violates the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975.
NAHB and the other plaintiffs argued that SCAQMD’s effective ban on certain gas appliances will harm their members.
“Plaintiffs face significant costs in having to replace gas appliances with electric appliances in existing buildings, which may also necessitate building modifications, disrupt business operations, or require the temporary relocation of tenants,” the lawsuit stated. “The increased cost of retrofitting or building for electric appliances will raise the cost of housing and limit supply. Plaintiffs also have members that include plumbers and pipefitters who will see a decrease in the amount of gas plumbing work, affecting their hours, job opportunities, and hiring and training in the industry. In short, the District’s rule will impose enormous financial costs and disruption on businesses and individuals, including Plaintiffs.”
The lawsuit seeks to void the SCAQMD’s rule to ban certain gas appliances because it is pre-empted by federal law since it concerns the energy use of appliances covered by the EPCA. The suit cites an appellate court decision last year that stated the city of Berkeley’s ban on natural gas connections in new construction was prohibited by the EPCA, which forbids state and local governments from setting efficiency standards for appliances.
Therefore, the lawsuit asserts that SCAQMD’s regulation is “void and unenforceable.”
Latest from NAHBNow
Jul 01, 2025
Use NAHB Resources to Protect Workers from Heat and UV ExposureAs NAHB celebrates UV Safety Awareness Month in July, it is important for home builders and general contractors to educate workers about the potential risks associated with UV radiation, and have plans and resources in place to keep them safe on the jobsite.
Jul 01, 2025
Senate Passes Tax Bill With Many Wins for NAHB MembersThe Senate today passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) — sweeping tax and domestic policy legislation that includes several important housing and business provisions that will benefit small businesses, real estate and our members. Most notably, NAHB was able to secure key wins regarding state and local tax deductions for individuals and pass-through businesses.
Latest Economic News
Jul 01, 2025
May Private Residential Construction Spending DipsPrivate residential construction spending fell by 0.5% in May, marking the fifth straight month of decreases. This drop was primarily driven by reduced spending on single-family construction. Compared to a year ago, total spending was down 6.7%, as the housing sector continues to navigate the economic uncertainty stemming from ongoing tariff concerns and elevated mortgage rates.
Jul 01, 2025
Flat Job Openings for ConstructionThe count of open, unfilled positions in the construction industry held steady amid a slowdown for housing, per the May Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS).
Jun 30, 2025
2024 New Single-Family Starts by Census DivisionDespite persistently high mortgage rates, elevated financing costs for builders, and a shortage of buildable lots, single-family starts rebounded in 2024, following two straight years of declines.