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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 of a natural gas-fired water heater that exceeds the limits set by
16 the Air Quality Board, beginning July 1, 2018; and
17 ▸ exempts certain water heater units.
18 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
19 None
20 Other Special Clauses:
21 None
22 Utah Code Sections Affected:
23 ENACTS:
24 19-2-107.7, Utah Code Annotated 1953
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26 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
27 Section 1. Section 19-2-107.7 is enacted to read:
28 19-2-107.7. Water heater regulations.
29 (1) As used in this section:
30 (a) "Heat output" means the enthalpy of the working fluid output of the unit.
31 (b) "Natural gas-fired water heater" means a device that heats water by the combustion
32 of natural gas to a thermostatically controlled temperature not exceeding 210 degrees
33 Fahrenheit for use external to the vessel at pressures not exceeding 160 pounds per square inch
34 gauge.
35 (c) "Recreational vehicle" means a motor home, travel trailer, truck camper, or
36 camping trailer, with or without motive power, designed for human habitation for recreational,
37 emergency, or other occupancy.
38 (2) Before January 1, 2017, the board shall, in accordance with Section 19-2-104,
39 establish nitrogen oxide limits for a natural gas-fired water heater, expressed in nanograms of
40 nitrogen oxides per Joule of heat output after evaluating:
41 (a) the operation of an appliance with the natural gas heat content available in the state;
42 (b) the operation of an appliance at altitudes where natural gas service is available in
43 the state; and
44 (c) the installed cost of an appliance to ensure that the cost is reasonable compared to
45 other strategies to reduce air pollutants.
46 (3) Beginning July 1, 2018, no person shall sell any natural gas-fired water heater to be
47 installed in Utah, except an ultra-low nitrogen oxide gas water heater with a nitrogen oxide
48 emission rate exceeding the limit set by the board by rule.
49 (4) This section does not apply to a water heater unit that is used in a recreational
50 vehicle.
Legislative Review Note
Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel