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7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill deals with the regulation of certain water heaters.
10 Highlighted Provisions:
11 This bill:
12 ▸ defines terms;
13 ▸ requires the Air Quality Board to make rules regarding the nitrogen oxide limits for
14 a natural gas-fired water heater by January 1, 2017;
15 ▸ prohibits the sale or installation of a natural gas-fired water heater that exceeds the
16 limits set by the Air Quality Board, beginning July 1, 2018;
17 ▸ creates labeling requirements for a manufacturer of a water heater affected by the
18 Air Quality Board's rule; and
19 ▸ exempts certain water heater units.
20 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
21 None
22 Other Special Clauses:
23 None
24 Utah Code Sections Affected:
25 ENACTS:
26 19-2-107.7, Utah Code Annotated 1953
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28 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
29 Section 1. Section 19-2-107.7 is enacted to read:
30 19-2-107.7. Water heater regulations.
31 (1) As used in this section:
32 (a) "Heat output" means the enthalpy of the working fluid output of the unit.
33 (b) "Natural gas-fired water heater" means a device that heats water by the combustion
34 of natural gas to a thermostatically-controlled temperature not exceeding 210 degrees
35 Fahrenheit for use external to the vessel at pressures not exceeding 160 pounds per square inch
36 gauge.
37 (c) "Recreational vehicle" means a motor home, travel trailer, truck camper, or
38 camping trailer, with or without motive power, designed for human habitation for recreational,
39 emergency, or other occupancy.
40 (2) Before January 1, 2017, the board shall, in accordance with Section 19-2-104,
41 establish nitrogen oxide limits for a natural gas-fired water heater, expressed in nanograms of
42 nitrogen oxides per Joule of heat output after evaluating:
43 (a) the operation of an appliance with the natural gas heat content available in the state;
44 (b) the operation of an appliance at altitudes where natural gas service is available in
45 the state; and
46 (c) the installed cost of an appliance to ensure that the cost is reasonable compared to
47 other strategies to reduce air pollutants.
48 (3) Beginning July 1, 2018, no person shall sell or install any natural gas-fired water
49 heater manufactured after July 1, 2018, with a nitrogen oxide emission rate exceeding the limit
50 set by the board by rule.
51 (4) A manufacturer in Utah shall display the model number and nitrogen oxide
52 emission rate of a water heater complying with this section on:
53 (a) the shipping carton for the water heater; and
54 (b) the permanent rating plate of each water heater unit.
55 (5) This section does not apply to a water heater unit that:
56 (a) uses a fuel other than natural gas;
57 (b) is used in a recreational vehicle; or
58 (c) is manufactured in Utah for shipment and use outside of Utah.
Legislative Review Note
Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel