Modeling the health benefits of state-specific zero-emissions appliance standards in the United States

Some states in the United States are pursuing policies that would require that household appliances have low to zero NOx emissions. Effectively, this would amount to regulations requiring that buildings have electric appliances rather than combustion appliances. These policies are being explored as ways to meet greenhouse gas reduction commitments and as ways to reduce air pollution. Here, we propose to use a novel atmospheric modeling and health impact platform to model potential health benefits of these policies, and then use this platform to support regulations in select states in the United States where these policies are being considered. Specifically, we will identify priority states with live policy opportunities and necessary data, develop potential policy proposals that could be implemented in these states, and model the air quality and health benefits of these policies at high-resolution, using a "regulatory grade" air pollution and health benefit modeling platform that is commonly used and trusted by state and federal policymakers in the U.S. We will then share results with key stakeholders in the priority states, including air agencies, policy public comment dockets, and other policy stakeholders, along with the public and media.